Understand PTSD and its related symptoms
PTSD and trauma studies aims to provide students with an understanding of the theory and treatment of trauma and PTSD related symptoms. It presents historical and emerging research and theory related to trauma and PTSD, with a focus on clinical treatment and practical responses to symptoms.
Students will explore a range of theoretical frameworks for understanding trauma, and what factors influence recovery and post-traumatic growth. Complex-PTSD will also be explored and the emerging literature around this concept will be explored.
Therapeutic interventions will be discussed using empirical research and evidence-based practice. A practical clinically-focused account of cases and clinical experience of working with severely traumatised individuals will also form part of the programme.
Trauma studies is suitable for; social workers, psychotherapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, GPs, nurses, Gardai, emergency responders, teachers, and anyone whose job brings them into contact with individuals dealing with trauma and PTSD. For existing practitioners, this programme will provide a basis for developing skills used in responding to traumatic presentations.
CPD Credits
9 CPD credits for members of the Psychological Society of Ireland
Course Content
1. Introduction to the course; history of trauma theory (Janets’ phases, DSM inclusion) and treatment. Complex-PTSD and emerging issues (culture, labelling, legal implications, controversies)
2. Theories and models of trauma; the body and trauma, impact on the brain and memory, Polyvagal Theory
3. Theories and models of trauma II; Rothschild, Levine, Le Doux, Terr, Herman, Van der Kolk, Ogden, Fisher
4. Trauma symptomatology: dissociation, memory loss, depression, anxiety, arousal, activation
5. Assessment and measurement: instruments and debate about relevance and value. Retraumatisation considerations
6. Treatment approaches and considerations, contra-indications, working with the body and breath. Importance of safety. Prosody. Relationship with therapist.
7. Treatment approaches and considerations: flashbacks, nightmares and sleep. Evidence and controversies
8. Trauma; traumatic deaths, recognizing traumatic reactions in adults and children, PTSD, secondary trauma, inter-generational trauma, societal trauma
9. Promoting resilience and post traumatic growth, what works for trauma survivors
10. Self-care; compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma – how to recognize and manage
Course Fee
Classroom-based: €995
(€1,095 if paying in instalments)
Online course: €895
(€995 if paying in instalments)
If paying in instalments by direct debit, the deposit to book a place is €150 and the balance is split into three equal monthly payments.
Non-EU Students: Call +353 1 4160034
Assessment
Students must attend at least 80% of classes to graduate with either the Diploma or Certificate of Attendance unless a serious and verifiable reason for further absence is provided.
If completing the course online, students’ attendance and participation of the live or recorded classes is tracked through Moodle.
A pass grade on the written assignment will be required for awarding of the Diploma.
The assignment/project must be handed in on the due date unless a sound reason for lateness is provided. In such instances, an extension may be awarded at the discretion of the lecturer.
Lecturer
Nicola Mitchell
Nicola Mitchell has over 20 years’ experience of working with children, adolescents and adults as a professionally qualified social worker, accredited psychotherapist, and psychologist. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies (BSS, CQSW) from Trinity College Dublin in 1994. Since then she has worked as a child protection social worker, and as a medical social worker in a children’s hospital working primarily with children and their families with a diagnosis of life limiting or life threatening illnesses. Much of Nicola’s work was supporting families through loss, anticipatory grief and grief after bereavement.
Nicola is a professionally qualified psychotherapist and has worked as a Bereavement Counsellor for children and adolescents for over a decade with a national children’s charity. She worked for a number of years as a Bereavement Counsellor with families bereaved by suicide and more recently as a Student Counsellor with third level university students.
Nicola also has a Higher Diploma in Psychology (H Dip Psych) from UCD achieving a first class honours, and a Master’s of Science in Applied Psychology (MSc App Psych) (TCD) achieving the award of distinction. Nicola’s research dissertations at undergraduate and postgraduate level were both in the area of bereaved parents with no surviving children. Nicola is currently in the final year of the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in Trinity College Dublin. She works primarily from psychodynamic and attachment perspectives but also incorporates CBT as well as other modalities into therapeutic interventions. Nicola maintains a keen interest in areas related to attachment, loss, trauma, suicide and murder-suicide
Why City Colleges
- Courses for students who are passionate about their subject, delivered by leaders in their field.
- Live lectures which are also streamed live on Moodle and recorded for review
- City centre location in South Great George’s Street, convenient for bus, LUAS, DART
- Southside Dublin, Ireland location
- Study rooms and library in our City Centre location in Dublin, Ireland
- Limited class size
- Parking
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