Understanding the basic functions of the brain helps us to better understand a person’s behaviour. In turn, this understanding helps us to reframe our beliefs or biases about a person, and instead offer compassion, patience and flexibility. It allows us to ask questions like “what is going on for this person?”; “what might be triggering them to act this way right now?”; “how can I support them to manage what they’re feeling?” These questions are the basis of trauma-informed practice; throughout this course, you will learn to see your interactions with others through a different perspective.
In addition to learning about trauma-informed practice, this course will provide basic information about responding to gender-based violence, including the particularities of gender-based violence in Nunavut, how to respond to a survivor, what kinds of resources are available to survivors, and information regarding human trafficking.
Course Objectives
Learners will become familiar with the effects of trauma, how these effects may manifest through behaviour, and how to address them through a trauma-informed lens. By the end of the course, participants will be able to use the information they have learned to:
- Understand the prevalence of trauma
- Be able to recognize signs of trauma and stress behaviour
- Support personal autonomy and choice while withholding negative judgement
- Decrease/reduce barriers to encourage equity, accessibility and inclusion across multiple settings
- Focus on personal, family and community strengths
Remember: it is recommended that learners take regular breaks, as some of the course material can be emotionally taxing and/or triggering.