St Mary’s launches short course on Resources for Trauma-Informed Practice

Prior to the launch of the new MA in Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Sexual Violence: Trauma Informed Practice at St Mary’s University, Twickenham (SMU), the University is offering a taster module in the form of a short course on Resources for Trauma-Informed Practice.

This is a new short course available for UK and international participants engaging in work with trauma survivors. The aim of this course is to provide a collective and tailored environment to reflect and develop individual practice, in order to understand the impact of trauma on practitioners and researchers. The course focuses on finding different ways to support individuals in their workplace.

The week-long module will run from Monday 8th July to Saturday 13th July 2024, and includes an optional assessment. Participants can attend the course on campus at SMU, as well as online via Zoom.

Upon completion of the course, students will receive a certificate of attendance. For those completing the assessment element, they will also receive a transcript detailing 20 credits at master's level, which can be transferred to the full MA should they wish to enrol.

The Resources for Trauma-Informed Practice course offers an innovative learning opportunity for students to explore the effects of working and researching with traumatised people. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their personal experiences of this work during their participation.

Input from global experts throughout the course will provide a rich and diverse learning experience for students. These include a world-leading American educator on care and power dynamics, an internationally recognised choreographer specialising in movement and the arts, a Jungian analyst who will provide tips on spiritual practice, and a master trainer offering guidance through somatic regulation.

Speaking on the purpose of this short course, Dr Anna Westin said, “This course will enable students to better understand the way in which trauma might be affecting them in their practice and research. Students will receive help in developing tools to get the best out of their work, whilst also gaining insights into well-being support when working with survivors of trauma.

“Underpinning the course are core philosophical and psychological insights delivered by the scholars and authors of key tests used within the course.”

You can register for a place on the short course now.

For any queries, please contact Dr Anna Westin at anna.westin@stmarys.ac.uk or Dr Maria Mellins at maria.mellins@stmarys.ac.uk.