Strand One consists of community orientated trauma focussed courses which enable society within Northern Ireland to deal with the legacy of a violent past.
The strand works from the local to international research which is important in challenging insular views and acknowledging the wider world that we live in. All courses are accredited at Level 1 by Open Learning, Queen’s University, Belfast.
Community Education training courses
Impact of Psychological Trauma
This course provides an in-depth look at the history of psychological trauma through a conflict lens. Students will examine how the physical, cognitive, emotional and psychological symptoms of trauma affect adults, young people and children. There will be an exploration of trans-generational trauma and its effects. Treatment modalities recommended for psychological trauma will be analysed and students will gain knowledge around the most appropriate treatment for psychological trauma.
Intergenerational Trauma
Intergenerational Trauma is designed to meet the needs of individuals who wish to gain a greater understanding of intergenerational trauma. The course will explore the development and impact of intergenerational trauma, especially within the context of post-conflict societies.
Theories of Traumatic Grief & Loss
Theories of Traumatic Grief & Loss is designed for those wishing to gain a greater understanding of grief & trauma. The course provides participants with a grounding in trauma theory and approaches for working with or supporting those who experience traumatic loss. The course will also explore theories of grief and support mechanisms for bereaved people.
Self-care and Resiliency: A Practitioner’s Guide
Designed for anyone working with or caring for people who have experienced trauma. The course will give individuals a greater understanding of how trauma can be transmitted to the worker or carer.
Trauma and Addiction
This course aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of the relationship between trauma and addiction. There will be an exploration of the factors that lead to self-medication. The impact of unresolved trauma and addiction on social and psychological development will be discussed as will the effects of trauma and addiction on the family.
Living the Legacy of Trauma
Trauma and the Body is a course which examines the impact of psychological trauma on the physical body. The course will examine how trauma becomes trapped in the body as well as the mind. Students will explore topics such as the anatomy of survival, neuroscience and trauma, safety in the body and treatment approaches to heal the body.
Trauma & The Family
The programme has been designed to explore the development and maintenance of psychological trauma within the Northern Ireland context of The Troubles. Students will be provided with an overview of sociological and psychological theories of the impact of trauma on the family system. The course will provide an overview of theories of trauma within the family, the influence of trauma on attachment styles and explore the evidence base for systemic work and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Transition from Conflict
Transition from Conflict targets anyone who wishes to gain a greater understanding of the processes involved in moving out of conflict and into peace. Participants will explore issues, such as justice, truth recovery, reconciliation and victim/offender complexities.
Facing History and Ourselves
This course is designed to meet the needs of individuals who wish to gain a greater understanding of how we use events in international history to understand the issues that Northern Ireland may face in dealing with the past.
Approaches to Storytelling: Conflict and Legacy
This is for anyone interested in learning about the use of storytelling as a mechanism for dealing with the past in Northern Ireland. The story will also help those who wish to develop storytelling projects for groups.