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Certified Trauma Care Advocate

This foundational program provides a deep understanding of trauma's diverse impacts, empowering you to offer informed and compassionate support. Ideal for individuals seeking to integrate trauma-informed practices into their existing work or begin their journey as an advocate.

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12 weeks

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February 3 - April 30 2025

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Taught by BIPOC & BIPOC allies

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$ 1,500 tuition

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Course description

Embark on a transformative journey to become a Certified Trauma Care Advocate through this comprehensive 12-week course. Designed with a decolonized approach, this program delves deep into understanding trauma within diverse cultural contexts. You will explore the historical and systemic factors contributing to trauma, and learn how to provide empathetic, effective support that considers intersectionality and respects and honors cultural differences.


This course challenges traditional power structures within Western-centric models of trauma care by promoting cultural humility, peer to peer dynamics, and client-led practices. Through interactive learning, self-reflection, and community engagement, you will develop the knowledge needed to effectively advocate for trauma-informed practices that are inclusive, respectful, and empowering.

By the end of this course you will:

  • Gain comprehensive knowledge of trauma's effects across different life stages and populations.

  • Understand the influence of systemic oppression on trauma experiences.

  • Develop practical skills for effective, culturally humble trauma care.

  • Enhance self-awareness and professional ethics in practice.

  • Be prepared to advocate for and support trauma survivors within various settings.

This course goes beyond traditional trauma care models by:

  • Centering the voices and experiences of marginalized communities: Prioritize the needs of BIPOC communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, refugees, and other historically underserved groups.

  •  Challenging power imbalances: Analyze and address power dynamics within advocacy work to ensure equitable and accessible care for all survivors.

  •  Promoting healing and empowerment: Equip advocates to support survivors in reclaiming their power and agency in their healing journeys.

What you'll learn

Modules

This course has two parts, each consisting of 6 modules and lasting 6 weeks.

Part 1: Foundations of Trauma

Explore the multifaceted nature of trauma, its impact on individuals and relationships, and various trauma types, including childhood, developmental, adolescent, and intergenerational trauma. Understand the neuroscience and biology of trauma and its interpersonal and intrapersonal effects.

  • Module 1: Trauma 101 (February 4th-5th)

  • Module 2: Childhood & Developmental Trauma and Early Attachment  (February 11th-12th)

  • Module 3: Adolescent Teen Trauma (February 18th-19th)

  • Module 4: Intergenerational  & Ancestral Trauma (February 25th-26th)

  • Module 5: The Neuroscience & Biology of Trauma (March 4th-5th)

  • Module 6: Intrapersonal & Interpersonal Impacts of Trauma (March 11th-12th)

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Break: March 16th-22nd

Part 2: Bridge Theory and Practice

Examine the impact of oppressive systems on trauma survivors, learning reparative skills that prioritize both impact and intention. Build essential skills in trauma-sensitive advocacy, self-leadership, accountability, and trauma sensitive practices.

  • Module 7: Under-resourced & Underserved Populations and  Intersectionality (March 25th-26th)

  • Module 8: Mental Health Industrial Complex & Psychological Impacts (April 1st-2nd)

  • Module 9: Intention and Impact (April 8th-9th)

  • Module 10: Rupture Repair (April 15th-16th)

  • Module 11: Trauma Sensitive Advocacy (April 22nd-23rd)

  • Module 12: Self-Leadership, Accountability & Responsibility (April 29th-30th)

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Learning format

This certification utilizes a blended learning format with:

  • Pre-released content: Access introductory videos and materials on professional standards and ethics.

  • Live online sessions: Tuesdays 7-9 pm ET or Wednesdays 10 am-12 pm ET (attend one session weekly). Recordings will be available.

  • Collaborative activities: Engage in interactive exercises during live sessions to deepen learning and build community.

Technical requirements

  • All classes will be held over Zoom.

  • All course content will be delivered on the GTI learning platform, hosted on LearnWorlds.

  • The GTI Collective private community group is on Facebook.

Instructors

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Dr. Judith Belton

CTCP-S, CATC-S

Dr. Judith Belton is a developmental mentor and cognitive restructuring specialist with a profound commitment to supporting women of color. She focuses on helping her clients navigate the unique challenges of cognitive distortions, self-abandonment, imposter syndrome, and internalized racism. Her polyvagal aligned and autonomic nervous system coaching approach integrates evidence-based strategies to address and transform limiting beliefs. Dr. Belton's empathetic and nurturing style creates a transformative learning environment for all her students.

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Achara Tarfa

CTCP-S, CATC-S

For over 30 years, Achara has dedicated her career to providing training and education in a culturally sensitive and accessible way. As a Level 3 Trained IFS Practitioner, Achara provides one-on-one coaching and consulting for trauma survivors. She specializes in individual preparation and integration for psychedelic journeys, self-abandonment, relational trauma, intergenerational trauma, inner critic, and complex PTSD. Beyond her private practice, she consults with professionals, including social workers, therapists, and educators. She is also the president of PATH, an organization that focuses on improving the lives of those struggling with addiction and its underlying trauma.

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Julia Pishko

CTCP-S, CATC-S

Julia Pishko is an expert in brain-based coaching and trauma-informed training, with a specialized focus on working with sexual assault survivors. Her extensive experience in these areas equips her with the skills to create safe, supportive, and effective learning experiences for her students. Julia’s innovative and compassionate approach ensures that participants not only gain valuable insights but also feel empowered to apply them in their healing journeys and beyond.

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Kimberly Weeks

CTCP-S, CATC-S

Kimberly Weeks supports survivors of narcissistic abuse and is an accomplished instructor and coach in leadership development and business coaching. She is also a specialist in rupture and repair, helping individuals and organizations navigate and heal from interpersonal conflicts and challenges. Kimberly’s personal and professional experiences provide her with unique insights and empathy, enabling her to guide her students through transformative processes with understanding and practical wisdom.

Who is this for

Choose this course if your current role puts you in contact with trauma survivors that you’d like to better serve by gaining a foundational understanding of trauma, learning about the impacts of trauma on individuals, learn how to support them in navigating systems that can further cause harm and walk alongside them as they become empowered to advocate for themselves. All Bridge modules are included in this foundational course created to inform you about trauma sensitive advocacy and support. This course will NOT certify you to work 1-1 with clients as a Trauma Care Practitioner.

Join us

Ready to embark on your journey as a trauma-informed professional?

​We look forward to welcoming you to the Global Trauma Institute community!

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