Transforming Trauma: Understanding Trauma and Building Resiliency

Workshop Description:

In this field of work, we see trauma all around us. We are working with and responding to children, families and vulnerable adults who witness and experience violence. As professionals, we want to provide support and assistance, and yet we are not invincible ourselves. It is our compassion and caring that also makes us vulnerable when witnessing such pain. In this presentation, we will gain an understanding of different types of trauma professionals can experience. Upon leaving this training, participants will be able to not only identify what vicarious trauma is but have real-world, research-based practices to engage in their own practice to build resiliency. By gaining these strategies, participants will be encouraged and strengthened. Once we recognize vicarious trauma is a predictable outcome, we know hope is the only thing stronger than fear.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this training, learners will be able to:

• Gain an understanding of the differences between vicarious trauma and burnout.

• Acknowledge that vicarious trauma is a predictable outcome.

• By analyzing the research, participants will learn different practices proven to build resiliency.

• Create strategies to approach the vicarious trauma in each learner’s practice.