PSY679 Psychology of Trauma
Lead Faculty: Dr. Valerie L. Alexander
Course Description
This course is an examination of trauma with a focus on the sources of trauma and the distinctions between them. Relational violence is studied as a specific example of trauma. An emphasis is placed on empirically-based assessment and intervention of the different trauma-related disorders. Crisis counseling and multi-disciplinary treatment is also covered.
Learning Outcomes
- Differentiate between the various sources of trauma and the implications for treatment.
- Assess various responses to trauma, using relational violence as an example, from the resilience, recovery, and medical models.
- Compare and contrast the different forms of relational violence and the implications for treatment.
- Formulate a differential diagnosis based on the symptoms and diagnostic criteria for Acute Stress Disorder and Post-Traumatic Disorder.
- Develop a treatment plan for trauma resulting from different forms of relational violence.
- Assess the potential outcomes of the major forms of trauma-related disorders.
- Integrate the process of recovery with community based resources for support, for example Victims of Violent Crimes and various other support groups.
- Assess the need for referral for medical evaluation.
- Discuss the application of crisis intervention techniques with clients.
- Formulate an inter-disciplinary treatment approach to clients in crisis or who have experienced a traumatic event.
- Discuss the role and needs of first-responders in the treatment of trauma.
