Post Graduate Trauma Treatment Certificate

The UT Post Graduate Trauma Certificate, "PGTC", delivers a critical overview of trauma and a deep understanding of neurophysiology, trauma theory and trauma treatment and how these concepts intersect. The PGTC has been developed for anyone with a master's degree or higher in fields of counseling, human service and allied health professions that have interest in increasing knowledge and skills to deal with trauma and trauma recovery. This online certificate includes user-friendly, self-paced modules that incorporate videos, voice-over PowerPoints, downloadable articles, handouts, and quizzes.

Each module is comprised of 10 Continuing Education Hours as approved by the NASW. Modules may be taken a la carte or in conjunction with one another. Once all three have been successfully completed the PGTC is awarded. For a brief description of each module see below. Once the PGTC is initiated, each participant has 1 year to complete the entirety of the Certificate. The cost for each module is $350 and is payable online at the time of registration.

Participants will master important evidence-based information and newly researched material as they earn their Post Graduate Trauma Certificate from the University of Tennessee, College of Social Work.

Descriptions of each module within the PGTC:

1. Neurophysiology of Trauma This module will explain important content related to the functioning of the brain and peripheral nervous system and how these are impacted by traumatic experiences. The specific topics addressed include genetics and epigenetics, attachment, neuroplasticity and various types of memory storage all as they relate to understanding clinical interventions for trauma survivors.
2. Theoretical Perspectives on Trauma Response and Treatment This module addresses, definitions of trauma, cultural reflections on trauma and numerous brief explanations of various theories that have been developed to understand trauma and traumatic reaction. The specific topics addressed include cognitive models of traumatic reaction, evolutionary approach to trauma, distinction between trauma and adverse experiences and theories such as the Polyvagal Theory.
3. Clinical Interventions with Persons Exposed to Traumatic History This module will dive deeply into various treatment interventions and approaches to working with persons exposed to trauma in their developmental history. This module includes lectures and discussion as well as readings about numerous interventions such as psychoeducation, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and emotional processing.