MSSW 661 - Understanding and Responding to Trauma. A Social Work Perspective

This course provides an opportunity to develop a working knowledge of the micro, mezzo, and macro core features and consequences of trauma and to build on knowledge developed in foundation courses, particularly within the HBSE and Practice sequences. Various kinds of maltreatment and events including interpersonal acts (such as domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, sexual & physical assault, random violence, accidents), natural or human-made disasters effecting groups, communities, nations (e.g. fires, acts of terrorism, war, genocide), along with the trauma of ambiguous loss (e.g. missing persons, imprisonment, family disconnections, illnesses) will be considered throughout the course. Additionally, students will learn the wide range of trauma-related psychological disorders and develop a working knowledge of the essential components of trauma interventions. Throughout the course, students will also focus on the importance of professional self-care, compassion fatigue, and vicarious traumatization that may occur as a result of compassionate engagement with traumatized clients. Course content and discussions will afford particular attention to cultural sensitivity, gender roles, life span tasks, ethical considerations, and research findings.

Credits: 3

Academic Catalog

MSSW 661 - Understanding and Responding to Trauma. A Social Work Perspective