Responding to Primary and Secondary Trauma

Course Code: COUN 4000

Academic Year: 2024-2025

The purpose of this course is to provide an in-depth overview of the impact of trauma on children, youth, and families, and to develop students' skills in providing evidence-based, inclusive, anti-oppressive, and strength-based intervention and support to children, youth, and families who have experienced trauma. Students will learn about holistic approaches to trauma assessment and intervention, with a focus on interventions that can be implemented by Child and Youth Care practitioners and the role of CYCPs within the multi-disciplinary team. Awareness of current research and implementation of evidence-based practices will be emphasized, with a particular focus on developing an understanding of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and intervention that can be implemented by CYCPs. Additionally, the topic of secondary stress for professionals working with children, youth, and families who have experienced trauma will be explored. Various learning modalities will be used throughout the course including interactive seminar-style lecture, small group activities, self-reflection, films, web-based learning, discussion, and scenario-based counselling practice and learning.