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Course on Understanding Trauma

Defining and Understanding Trauma

 

How to best cope with trauma by building skills and exploring how to ask for help.

 

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Gratitude (9)
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Course Overview

Join Martha, a school counselor, as she leads an after-school Trauma Support Group for students experiencing a variety of traumas, including divorcing parents, loss of a grandparent, a recent relocation and bullying. Your child will learn alongside the four students in the group what it means to experience trauma, what emotions typically accompany it, what reactions commonly occur after a traumatic experience, and how to best cope with trauma and trauma reactions by building skills and exploring how to ask for help.

 

Module

1

What is Trauma?

In this module, learners will gain an understanding of what trauma is and the different situations that can cause trauma. Martha is a school counselor who leads a Trauma Support Group for middle school students. Four students, each going through their individual traumas, come together for support in managing their many, complicated emotions. Through their examples, learners will explore how to better understand what they are going through. This module is the first step in beginning to unpack a very complicated topic.

Module

2

Common Trauma Reactions

In this module, learners will explore the aftermath of trauma. Oftentimes, trauma will cause feelings, behaviors, and thoughts that will last long after the stressful event is over. With the help of Mei, Santiago, Jayson and Arya, learners will start to explore their reactions that are still lingering, which may be confusing and difficult to understand. Martha will help learners by teaching about these reactions in a way that makes sense for this age group.

Module

3

Seeking Support

In this module, learners will explore what it means to start healing from trauma. Without a sense of safety and some level of support, healing from trauma is near impossible. With the help of Martha and the four students, learners will educate themselves on identifying emotions, particularly feelings of safety. Learners will also understand that expressing emotions, and asking for help from people who are safe, is essential for healing.

Module

4

Coping with Trauma Reactions

In this module, learners will learn about coping skills. With the help of Martha and the four students, learners will recognize the difference between healthy and unhealthy ways to cope with strong feelings that may result from trauma. Learners will also understand the different types of coping skills and the purpose of each.

Meet Course Creator, Kaylene Graffitti

Kaylene holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Science and a Masters of Social Work from Adelphi University. She is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the United States. Kaylene is a School Social Worker turned Trauma Therapist who is committed to helping those who have experienced stressful life events cope and heal in a positive way. She left the school system to pursue a career more focused on individually helping students and their families understand big emotions resulting from trauma. Having the support of the family system is essential for ultimate healing and growth after a traumatic experience. As a therapist, Kaylene is able to work not just with the student, but also is able to encourage deep family involvement and commitment to healing. She truly believes that education on complex issues, for both students and their families, is the first necessary step for healing.

Kaylene+Graffitti