Understanding and Working with Trauma in the Therapy Room

Course Summary:

This comprehensive course is designed for qualified counsellors and psychotherapists, as well as trainee practitioners currently working with clients, who want to deepen their knowledge and confidence in working with trauma safely in therapeutic practice.

Combining theory, practical tools, and reflective exploration, the course covers the wide-ranging impact of trauma—including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)—on the brain, body, relationships, and identity. A strong focus is placed on developing safe, effective trauma-informed approaches rooted in both neurobiology and compassionate, collaborative care.

You’ll explore Polyvagal Theory and the role of the vagus nerve in understanding how the nervous system responds to threat, shutdown, and safety. These insights will support you in recognizing trauma states in the therapy room and applying effective techniques for regulation, grounding, and relational attunement.

You’ll also be introduced to the Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF)—a progressive, non-pathologizing model that invites deeper understanding of clients' distress through the lens of power, meaning, and life experience, rather than diagnostic labels alone.

Key Topics Covered:

• Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and developmental trauma

• Working with PTSD and complex trauma presentations

• Introduction to Polyvagal Theory and the vagus nerve

• Recognizing trauma states: fight, flight, freeze, fawn, and collapse

• The neurobiology of trauma and nervous system regulation

• Trauma-informed principles for building safety and trust

• Using grounding, stabilization, and co-regulation techniques

• Introduction to the Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF): understanding distress through context and meaning

• Supporting clients with shame, dissociation, attachment wounds, and relational trauma

• Promoting resilience, post-traumatic growth, and meaning-making

Who Should Enroll:
This course is ideal for qualified counsellors, psychotherapists, and trainees who are already working with clients. Whether you're looking to expand your trauma knowledge, integrate body-based and relational tools, or adopt more socially and contextually informed frameworks, this course offers both the depth and practicality to enhance your therapeutic work.