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Trauma-Informed Counseling: Best Practices Across the Lifespan

Trauma-Informed Counseling: Best Practices Across the Lifespan

Saturday, November 8, 2025 (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM) (EST)

Description

Trauma looks different at every age — and so should our counseling approach. In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to recognize trauma’s impact from childhood through older adulthood and adapt your interventions for each developmental stage. We’ll cover the latest research, culturally responsive strategies, and practical tools you can use right away to foster safety, trust, and healing. Whether you work with children, teens, adults, or seniors, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how to meet clients where they are and help them move forward.
Online synchronous
Event Contact
Pamela Wells
603-325-5565
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Saturday, November 8, 2025 (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM) (EST)
Start- 10 am- end- 3 pm - Hour 1 – Foundations of Trauma-Informed Care (10:00 – 11:00) Objectives: Build shared language, introduce neuroscience of trauma, and frame developmental differences.10:00 – 10:15 | Welcome & OrientationTrainer introduction and disclosure (scope, CE info, disclaimers) Review NBCC objectives and CE requirements (attendance, evaluation, certificate) Icebreaker: “One word you associate with trauma-informed care” (shared aloud or in chat) 10:15 – 10:40 | Defining Trauma Across ContextsAcute, chronic, complex, developmental trauma defined Prevalence data and impact on mental health - Discussion prompt: How does your work setting define trauma?10:40 – 11:00 | Neurobiology of TraumaBrain-body connection (amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex) Developmental vulnerabilities (children vs. older adults) Mini activity: Quick journal prompt—“How do I see trauma show up somatically in my clients?” Hour 2 – Core Principles of Trauma-Informed Care (11:00 – 12:00)Objectives: Teach the five pillars and their clinical applications.11:00 – 11:20 | The Five Core Principles Safety, Trustworthiness, Choice, Collaboration, Empowerment Shifting from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”11:20 – 11:40 | Avoiding Retraumatization Signs of retraumatization in sessionPractical counselor behaviors that may unintentionally trigger clients Ethical integration with ACA Code of Ethics11:40 – 12:00 | Interactive Case VignetteScenario: Client becomes visibly distressed during intake questions - Small groups: Identify trauma-informed vs. trauma-uninformed responses Report back & debrief - Hour 3 – Childhood & Adolescent Interventions (12:00 – 1:00) Objectives: Apply developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed strategies for young clients.12:00 – 12:20 | Recognizing Trauma in Youth Behavioral signs (withdrawal, aggression, academic decline) Developmental impacts: attachment, learning, socialization 12:20 – 12:40 | Evidence-Based InterventionsPlay therapy, expressive arts, family-focused approaches School-based supports and trauma-informed classrooms 12:40 – 1:00 | Applied Case Study Case: Middle school student showing aggression after a parent’s death Breakout activity: Build an intervention plan using play or expressive methods Debrief as large group Hour 4 – Adult & Older Adult Interventions (1:00 – 2:00)Objectives: Explore trauma presentations and interventions across adulthood.1:00 – 1:20 | Trauma in Adults PTSD, relational trauma, workplace trauma Common patterns: hypervigilance, avoidance, relational difficulties 1:20 – 1:40 | Late-Life TraumaLoss, grief, chronic illness, historical trauma Considerations for memory decline and cognitive impairment 1:40 – 2:00 | Skills Practice Role-play activity: Applying mindfulness or grounding with a client scenario Reflection prompt: “What changes in your approach as clients age?” Hour 5 – Culture, Systems, and Integration (2:00 – 3:00 pm) Objectives: Incorporate cultural responsiveness, systemic awareness, and personal action planning.2:00 – 2:20 | Cultural & Systemic Influences Trauma in marginalized and underrepresented populations Intersectionality and trauma exposure Counselor self-reflection: Power, privilege, and positionality2:20 – 2:40 | Resilience & Community Supports Mindfulness, spirituality, self-compassion Leveraging cultural and community resources Activity: Brainstorm protective factors across the lifespan2:40 – 3:00 | Integration & Action PlanningCreate a personal “trauma-informed practice plan ”Peer-to-peer accountability: Share one step to implement within 30 days - Wrap-up, review of objectives, final Q&A - CE evaluation & certificate instructions
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