Trauma Informed Practice for Professionals (Wales)

This 10-week, 20-hour course is designed for professionals and aspiring practitioners who seek to understand and apply trauma-informed principles in their work.

The module covers the impact of trauma on individuals, including its neurophysiological effects and the ways it shapes physical, psychological, and social responses.

Key frameworks such as the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 and the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 are explored to understand the legislative context of trauma-informed practice.

Learners will delve into topics such as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), intergenerational trauma, and the specific challenges faced by survivors of war, conflict, and displacement.

The course emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed communication, setting professional boundaries, and engaging with local support services.

Through case studies, guest speakers, and interactive discussions, participants will develop reflective practice skills and build resilience to support trauma survivors effectively.

By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to navigate trauma recovery pathways and apply trauma-informed approaches in their professional contexts.

Learning and teaching

On successful completion of the module a student will be able to:

• Explain the impact of trauma and how it can affect adult survivors physically, psychologically, and socially
• Understand how trauma affects neurophysiology, memory, and response systems
• Identify how intergenerational trauma shapes individual experiences and service needs
• Apply trauma-informed approaches to their own professional context
• Reflect on personal values and resilience when supporting trauma survivors
• Explore local and national services available to support adults who have experienced trauma

Coursework and assessment

Type of assessment	% Contribution	Title
Summative	30%	Reflective learning journal
Summative	60%	Trauma Informed Personal/Professional Practice Review

Reading suggestions

• Welsh ACEs Hub – Resources and toolkits
• NICE Guidelines on PTSD and Trauma Care
• Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014
• The Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015
• Trauma and Recovery – Judith Herman
• The Body Keeps the Score – Bessel van der Kolk
• Wounded Healers: Intergenerational Trauma in Practice – Dr Karen Treisman
• Trauma-Informed Wales: A Societal Approach to Understanding Trauma – Public Health Wales
• National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH) Resources

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.