• Deakin University

Trauma, Neuro, and Shame Awareness: Best Practice for Professionals, Organisations, and Communities

Learn how trauma and shame influence behaviour, and how we can use this knowledge to reduce conflict and improve relationships.

2,236 enrolled on this course

nhappy woman's form double exposed with paint splatter effect

Trauma, Neuro, and Shame Awareness: Best Practice for Professionals, Organisations, and Communities

2,236 enrolled on this course

  • 4 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Accreditation available

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

The CPD Certification Service

This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. Find out more.

Understand the causes and impacts of trauma with Deakin University

Trauma and shame are complex, with a deep and widespread impact. This four-week Deakin University course aims to elevate your understanding of how these factors influence human behaviour.

From types of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences to the impacts of these on individuals and relationships, you’ll cover key issues around trauma and shame and also how trauma and shame-informed approaches can reduce problems such as addiction, violence and crime. By the end of this course, you’ll have a deeper understanding of trauma and shame and the tools to make a positive impact in people’s lives and communities.

Examine types of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences

You’ll start the course with an overview of different types of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences, examining the scientific concepts and human experiences that lie behind common terms like ‘trauma’ and ‘shame’.

Understand trauma responses and intergenerational trauma

You’ll look at how trauma affects our mind and bodies, and the different ways people cope with trauma. You’ll learn how trauma can be passed down through generations, impacting communities worldwide, including First Nations peoples and refugees.

Explore the impact of trauma on individuals and relationships

You’ll explore the impact that trauma and shame have on individuals and their relationships. You’ll also learn how to strengthen your own relationship skills and interpersonal connections in the context of trauma.

Apply your course-acquired understanding of trauma and shame

Finally, you’ll learn from experts who have implemented trauma-informed and shame-sensitive practices, applying your knowledge to understand why these practices are critical to creating inclusive and supportive environments for people with trauma histories.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Types of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences

    • Outline of a human brain showing neural networks and connections.

      Introduction to the course

      Meet your teaching team to find out more about this course and what you'll be covering.

    • Screenshot of animation (two boys walking together)

      Point in practice: meet Cara and Fred

      Each week you will encounter Fred and Cara. Watch the animations and apply what you have learnt to these case studies.

    • 3D rendering architectural background

      Different types of trauma

      Explore different types of trauma, including the concept of the Three “E’s”.

    • Dead tree isolated with white background

      Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and linked outcomes

      Discover what Adverse Childhood Experiences are and why they could influence poorer outcomes in life.

    • A boy playing with a glass prism

      What else informs the experience of trauma?

      Explore complex trauma and its links to neurodiversity.

    • Decorative

      Point in practice: apply your learning

      Point in practice: apply your learning

    • Abstract Messy Scribble Black and White Distorted Lines Background

      Weekly Wrap

      Review what you have learnt throughout this week.

  • Week 2

    Trauma responses, regulation, and the intergenerational transfer of trauma

    • Hydrangea, X-ray

      Trauma effects on brain, body, and development

      Discover how trauma affects the whole organism.

    • Synapse - Abstract Concept

      Ways of regulating the nervous system

      Explore different strategies for regulating trauma and the nervous system.

    • Bill Tompkins Aboriginal cave art Archive

      Intergenerational transfer of trauma

      Explore how trauma affects more than the individual who experiences it.

    • Woman sitting on a desk with a desktop computer

      Point in practice: apply your learning

      Let's return to Cara and Fred. Now that you have nearly completed the second week of the course, watch the animation and apply your knowledge.

    • Abstract Messy Scribble Black and White Distorted Lines Background

      Weekly wrap

      Reflect on this week’s key points, check your understanding, and get ready for next week.

  • Week 3

    Trauma effects on relationships

    • Young holding elderly hands for care and love

      Relationships and attachment

      Gain an understanding of the effects of trauma on relationships at home, work, and in the community.

    • Close up view of a person watching an old family photo album.

      Attachment theory and trauma

      Explore how attachment theory and trauma intersect and interact.

    • First Nations Boy Holding Boomerang

      Explore First Nations perspectives on trauma and shame in interpersonal relationships

      Learn about Indigenous knowledge, experience and perspectives on trauma and shame in interpersonal relationships.

    • Woman carrying a baby walking out from a door

      Point in practice: apply your learning

      Let's return to Cara and Fred. Now that you have nearly completed the third week of the course, watch the animation and apply your knowledge.

    • Abstract black and white scribble

      Weekly wrap

      Conclude this week's learning on the influence of trauma on interpersonal relationships.

  • Week 4

    Trauma, neuro and shame-sensitive practice

    • Large size and detailed picture.

      Welcome to Week 4

      What is trauma-informed practice?

    • People during therapy meeting

      Shame-sensitive practice

      Learn about shame competency and hear from the experts who have implemented shame-sensitive practices.

    • Paper boat in Rain

      Consider how to create environments that are shame sensitive and trauma-informed

      Explore the key principles and steps of shame-sensitive and trauma-informed practice and learn from the experts who have implemented it.

    • Unity in diversity, group therapy support: unrecognizable multicultural, multicolored clasped hands, holding together in group therapy session

      Strengths-based approaches

      Consider how a strengths-based approach is critical to trauma-informed and shame-sensitive practice.

    • Abstract scrible in black and white

      Weekly wrap

      Conclude your course learning on trauma, neuro and shame-aware practices.

Who is this accredited by?

The CPD Certification Service
The CPD Certification Service:

The CPD Certification Service was established in 1996 and is the leading independent CPD accreditation institution operating across industry sectors to complement the CPD policies of professional and academic bodies.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • describe the definitions and types of trauma
  • explain how trauma affects the brain
  • refelect on how trauma impacts people in stressful situations
  • investigate the intergenerational transfer of trauma
  • develop practical skills in creating environments that are shame sensitive and trauma-informed
  • identify the range of negative outcomes associated with Adverse Childhood Experiences
  • explore how early attachment informs relationship patterns and regulation strategies.

Who is the course for?

This course is suitable for everyone, but is designed specifically for professionals working in justice, education, and health and social care, as well as business and management.

It will also be valuable for anyone interested in learning more about trauma and its impacts, including individuals dealing with trauma themselves, and their partners, children, families, or wider communities.

Who will you learn with?

Peter Miller

Peter Miller is a Professor of Violence Prevention and Addiction Studies at Deakin University. His research interests include: alcohol policy, violence, trauma-informed and shame sensitive practice

Hannah Bereznicki

Hannah Bereznicki (PhD) is a Lecturer and Research Fellow in the School of Psychology at Deakin University. Hannah's research interests include the neurocognitive underpinnings of trauma and shame.

Who developed the course?

Deakin University

Deakin University

Deakin University is one of Australia’s largest universities with more than 61,000 students and over 15,000 online.

  • Established

    1974
  • Location

    Melbourne, Australia
  • World ranking

    Top 280Source: QS World University Rankings 2021

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$244.99 for a whole year

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$109/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 12 Mar 2025

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

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