Trauma course back

Research undertaken by WITT Te Pūkenga Nursing Tutors Helen Bingham and Tara Malone on the Trauma Informed Care micro-credential they created and teach, shows that participants have demonstrated a positive change in their empathy and compassion towards people who have experiences of trauma.

“The aim of the programme is to develop people’s proficiency in the principles, knowledge and practice of Trauma Informed Care, when caring for and working with people who have multi-dimensional experiences of trauma,” says Tara.

The next Trauma Informed Care eight-week programme starts on 24 April and is offered online over ten weeks, and includes two face-to-face workshops.

“The programme gives people an understanding of the neuroscience behind trauma, trauma in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand and how trauma manifests in a variety of behaviours, as well as some brief interventions to use with a client, patient or whānau member,” says Tara.

Developed in 2019 in response to a request from a previous Associate Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services at Te Whatu Ora Taranaki, the programme was borne out of recommendations made in He Ara Oranga: Report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction (2018) report and Kia Hora Te Marino (2018).

A recent programme participant says: “On reflection I  have definitely benefited from completing the trauma informed micro-credential. It has deepened and enhanced my understanding of being trauma informed and good practice using a trauma informed lens,” says Sheryl Robinson.

The application of this programme is suitable for everyone in a client-focused health and social service role, from those who work in corrections through to those in social services, mental health, counselling and health.

“Tara and I both have a strong interest in trauma and it was satisfying to know that the programme we’ve developed and the work we’re doing in this space is making a difference,” says Helen.