Trauma, Neuro, and Shame Awareness: Best Practice for Professionals, Organisations, and Communities

Understand the causes and impacts of trauma with Deakin University

Trauma and shame are complex, with a deep and widespread impact. This four-week Deakin University course aims to elevate your understanding of how these factors influence human behaviour.

From types of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences to the impacts of these on individuals and relationships, you’ll cover key issues around trauma and shame and also how trauma and shame-informed approaches can reduce problems such as addiction, violence and crime. By the end of this course, you’ll have a deeper understanding of trauma and shame and the tools to make a positive impact in people’s lives and communities.

Examine types of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences

You’ll start the course with an overview of different types of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences, examining the scientific concepts and human experiences that lie behind common terms like ‘trauma’ and ‘shame’.

Understand trauma responses and intergenerational trauma

You’ll look at how trauma affects our mind and bodies, and the different ways people cope with trauma. You’ll learn how trauma can be passed down through generations, impacting communities worldwide, including First Nations peoples and refugees.

Explore the impact of trauma on individuals and relationships

You’ll explore the impact that trauma and shame have on individuals and their relationships. You’ll also learn how to strengthen your own relationship skills and interpersonal connections in the context of trauma.

Apply your course-acquired understanding of trauma and shame

Finally, you’ll learn from experts who have implemented trauma-informed and shame-sensitive practices, applying your knowledge to understand why these practices are critical to creating inclusive and supportive environments for people with trauma histories.

This course is suitable for everyone, but is designed specifically for professionals working in justice, education, and health and social care, as well as business and management.

It will also be valuable for anyone interested in learning more about trauma and its impacts, including individuals dealing with trauma themselves, and their partners, children, families, or wider communities.

This course is suitable for everyone, but is designed specifically for professionals working in justice, education, and health and social care, as well as business and management.

It will also be valuable for anyone interested in learning more about trauma and its impacts, including individuals dealing with trauma themselves, and their partners, children, families, or wider communities.

• describe the definitions and types of trauma
• explain how trauma affects the brain
• refelect on how trauma impacts people in stressful situations
• investigate the intergenerational transfer of trauma
• develop practical skills in creating environments that are shame sensitive and trauma-informed
• identify the range of negative outcomes associated with Adverse Childhood Experiences
• explore how early attachment informs relationship patterns and regulation strategies.