PSY 6100 Trauma and the Brain
This course provides an overview and theoretical background of trauma and individuals' responses to trauma. We will explore the range of responses to trauma from physical, cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal perspectives. A focus will be placed on the neurobiological effects of adversity on the developing child and how individuals' health can be affected throughout the lifespan. In addition to adversity experienced at the individual level, the courses will explore the prevalence and impact of trauma experienced at the community level. We will explore ways to promote healing and recovery at both levels through evidence-based approaches. Students will not only become aware of trauma, its prevalence, and related effects, but they will also develop an understanding of those affected by trauma and apply this knowledge to their own life, to those around them, to their communities, and to their professions.
Trauma is a major public health issue affecting the health and wellness of people, families, and communities. Research shows that traumatic experiences and environments, especially those that occur in during childhood, are associated with significant behavioral and physical health outcomes throughout a person's life. Trauma places an enormous burden on not only every health care and human service delivery systems, but also on work environments, in education, and within the criminal justice system. Given the enormous influence that trauma has in our personal, professional, and academic lives, it is important that we have a basic understanding of trauma and importance of the trauma-informed approach.
Reactions to trauma come in many forms. The content of this course, and discussions about trauma from different perspectives, may bring about unexpected and unsettling reactions. Responses to trauma are often strategies that survivors have developed to keep themselves safe, and therefore really reflect strength and resiliency. Recognizing how trauma impacts anyone is an important part of skill building for creating trauma-informed services and systems. Please do not hesitate to contact the instructor at any time during the course if you would like to discuss, privately, your reactions to the content we are reviewing and/or the discussions we are having.