Trauma-Informed Care and Wellness in Social Work

Course Description

Discover the transformative power of compassionate, mindful, and healthy helping in this comprehensive course on trauma-informed care and wellness in social work. Offered by AlaskaX, this introductory-level course is designed to equip health professionals with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to become more effective and resilient helpers in their field.

What Students Will Learn

  • Gain a deep understanding of trauma and its impacts on individuals and communities
  • Explore the implementation of healing-centered and trauma-informed care practices
  • Discover wellness tools for self-regulation and life balance
  • Learn to apply wellness strategies in both professional and personal contexts
  • Understand the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACES) and its implications
  • Explore concepts of well-being, strengths, resiliency, and post-traumatic growth

Pre-requisites

While not mandatory, it is recommended that students complete SWK1x: Introduction to Social Work and SWK2x: Areas of Social Work Practice on edX before enrolling in this course.

Course Content

  • Trauma and trauma-informed care principles
  • Mindfulness, self-awareness, and compassion in helping professions
  • ACES study: history, implications, and hope
  • The relationship between biology and environment over time
  • Epigenetics and its relevance to social work
  • Strength, resilience, and post-traumatic growth
  • Wellness tools and strategies for self-care and burnout prevention

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal for social workers, health professionals, and anyone working in fields where they encounter individuals or communities affected by trauma. It is particularly beneficial for those looking to enhance their skills in trauma-informed care, improve their own well-being, and prevent burnout and compassion fatigue.

Real-World Applications

  • Implementing trauma-informed care practices in social work and healthcare settings
  • Developing more effective and compassionate relationships with clients and communities
  • Creating wellness programs and strategies for both professionals and clients
  • Enhancing resilience and preventing burnout in high-stress helping professions
  • Applying strengths-based approaches in community partnership and collaboration
  • Utilizing mindfulness and self-awareness techniques to improve personal and professional well-being
  • Advocating for policies and practices that address the long-term impacts of adverse childhood experiences

Syllabus

  1. Week 1: Ways of Knowing – Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care
  2. Week 2: Being Mindful, Self-Aware, and Compassionate – Healthy Helpers
  3. Week 3: ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences Study) – History and Hope
  4. Week 4: Relationship Between Biology and Environment Over Time
  5. Week 5: Epigenetics and Social Work
  6. Week 6: Strength, Resilience & Post-Traumatic Growth

Course Summary

This course offers a unique opportunity to delve into the critical aspects of trauma-informed care, social work, and wellness tools. By focusing on compassionate helpers, resilience, and the ACES study, students will gain invaluable insights into the long-term effects of adverse childhood experiences and how to address them effectively. The course emphasizes the importance of well-being, burnout prevention, and compassion fatigue awareness, equipping health professionals with the necessary mindfulness and emotional well-being strategies to thrive in their careers.

Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical wellness strategies, learners will develop a comprehensive understanding of trauma impacts and how to foster resilient individuals and communities. This course not only enhances professional skills but also promotes personal growth, making it an essential investment for anyone committed to becoming a more effective and compassionate helper in the field of social work and beyond.