Trauma Modules

Modules 1 & 2: Introductions/Trauma 101

In these first modules you will learn about the essential elements of trauma-informed parenting and begin to explore trauma through the eyes of your child. Learn what the word "trauma" means, the different types of trauma as well as common ways that children respond after traumatic experience.

Module 3: Understanding Trauma’s Effects

Module 3 will introduce you to the concept of the "internal alarm system" as well as describe how trauma during childhood affects brain development and the role this plays in the behaviors you may be seeing in your child. Module 3 wraps up with a discussion of the "invisible suitcase" as a way of understanding what types of beliefs and expectations children carry with them as a result of their trauma.

Module 4: Building a Safe Place

As the title suggests, module 4 discusses how you, as a foster parent, can promote and encourage physical and emotional safety in your home for a child who has experienced trauma. Learn how to construct a safety message as well as become an effective "emotional container". This module will also provide you with the do's and don'ts of coping with trauma reminders.

Module 5: Dealing with Feelings and Behaviors

This module focuses around a concept known as the cognitive triangle which encourages parents to better understand the connections between thinking, feeling and doing and the role these three areas play in management of trauma related behaviors. This module provides ways of understanding the feelings your child may have as well as giving you concrete ways of encouraging sense of mastery and control in your child.

Module 6: Connections and Healing

In this module you will learn how children form their identities through their early attachments and connections and how this can affect the child's view of themselves and their future. This module also takes on a discussion of the intergenerational nature of trauma and how family members can respond differently to the same traumatic experience.

Module 7: Becoming and Advocate

This module will introduce you to the concept of trauma-informed advocacy and provide you with ways of communicating with therapist and birth parents. Module 7 provides an introduction to medications as well as questions to ask when seeking treatment for your child.

Module 8: Taking Care of Yourself

Parents always want the best for their children and often sacrifice their emotional and physical needs to ensure this happens. Module 8 will help you learn the warning signs of compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress while providing you the opportunity to develop a self-care plan.