Over the past 20 years, a growing understanding of the pervasive and harmful impact of traumatic events on individuals, families and communities has led to the emergence of research on the effects of trauma and treatment strategies to address mental health. According to SAMSHA, trauma is a widespread, harmful, and costly public health problem, occurring as a result of violence, abuse, neglect, loss, disaster, war and other emotionally harmful experiences. While many people who experience a traumatic event do not have lasting negative effects, others experience more difficulty with traumatic stress reactions. Emerging research has documented the relationships among exposure to traumatic events, impaired neurodevelopmental and immune systems responses and subsequent health risk behaviors resulting in chronic physical or behavioral health disorders. Studies in criminal justice and child welfare systems reveal high rates of mental health. There are no boundaries when it comes to trauma with regard to age, gender, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, geography or sexual orientation.
This 7-week online learning series will increase the skill level of behavioral health professionals working in rural areas to define and recognize trauma in individuals. Rural practitioners who are able to help participants manage their symptoms using a strength-based approach minimize the retraumatization and provide supports that are trauma informed.
WHEN:
Every Tuesday, January 16 – February 27, 2024 from 12:00 – 1:30 PM Mountain/1:00 – 2:30 PM Central