Post-Graduate Trauma Counseling Certificate
The Post-Graduate Certificate in Trauma Response Services program is offered by George Fox University's Trauma Response Institute (TRI) and is designed for:
- Current graduate students in a mental health, education, ministerial or medical degree program
- Post-graduates with a master's degree or above in mental health, education, ministry or medicine who desire to earn a specialized concentration in post-traumatic stress prevention and intervention services
The primary objectives of the certificate are to train professionals who will advance the field of traumatology, and promote the safe and effective care of individuals and communities prior, during, and after traumatic events.
This 12-hour specialty is comprised of didactic and experiential courses reflecting best practices in trauma response, PTSD prevention and intervention strategies. The curriculum allows participants to progress through the specialty in one year, if starting in summer, yet is flexible enough to complete in two or more years if desired. Course sequencing is also arranged to allow new registrants to begin taking specialty courses at any time during the academic year.
TRI also offers continuing education events for those not seeking a certification.
Training Tracks (Focus of Study)
Beginning in the 2020-21 academic year, the Post-Graduate Certificate in Trauma Response Services will be offered in two different tracks, offering flexibility in format and professional focus. Contact counseling admissions counselor Gabriela Elkins for specific track start dates.
Track I - Mental Health Professional Focus; In-Person and Online
Track I courses are offered in a hybrid format, with each course including both online and on-campus class activities. The readings, class discussion and assignments primarily focus on application of course content pertinent to mental health professionals. Students must be able to attend class in person on the Portland Center campus as well as participate in online coursework. Courses are offered yearly or biannually, during the same semester each year.
Track II - School Professional Focus; Online Distance Only
Track II courses are offered completely online, suitable for distance learners. The readings, class discussion and assignments primarily focus on application of course content pertinent to K-12 education and higher education professionals. Courses are offered yearly or biannually, during the same semester each year.
Curriculum
Certificate curriculum is organized in three blocks:
Block A: Foundational Knowledge
Trauma-informed foundational knowledge, including nature of trauma, risk, resiliency and best-practice frameworks for immediate and long-term trauma response.
Block B: Best-Practice Strategies
When combined with Block A courses, practitioners build a strong perceptual and conceptual trauma-informed speciality.
Block C: Trauma Research & Leadership
Practitioners demonstrate expertise through a trauma-informed research project, and a project-based leadership experience.
Curriculum Plan
Complete the following:
Complete the following:
Choose three of the following:
Complete the following:
Note: Students who do not complete the trauma research project by taking TRMA 571, 572 and 573 will need to register for the continuation course TRMA 575 until the project is complete.