Course Overview

This course was created and provided by the Virtual Center of Excellence (VCE), a former project of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN). Content and format will be updated in the near future to address current accessibility standards. If you are unable to access the content in this section, please contact the imp support team for assistance.

This course will increase understanding of the basic tenets of trauma in adults and children.

  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Credit Hours: MCBAP-R (1.5), MCBAP-S (0.0), Mi-CEC (0.0), Nursing (0.0)

Topics Covered

Defining Trauma in Children and Adults

This course has been designed for direct care providers to increase their understanding of what trauma is: an overwhelming event or internalization of an experience that has stayed with and effects their clients. 

The Difference of Trauma on Children vs. Adults 

This course provides insight into the different effects trauma can have on an adult versus a child. During the developmental phases of a child's life, significant trauma (physical, or emotional) may present potential physical and behavioral problems later in life. 

Communicating with Clients Afflicted by Trauma

This course was designed to help those direct care workers understand how trauma affects their clients and how to clearly communicate this throughout this practice. It is recommended that behavioral health professionals also take the other trauma-related courses available through ImprovingMIPractices. 

Additional Considerations

Experiencing trauma is isolating and sometimes it can help to find someone that has been through a similar circumstance, even if they're a fictional character.


Course Objectives

  • Understanding the definition of Trauma and the impact on a child and adult.
  • Answer the questions, what is trauma? What effect does this have on children.
  • Develop a better understanding of Trauma

What People Are Saying

My experience with this module was enlightening. I received clarification on some issues I assumed that I knew. I now have a better understanding due to my participation in this course.

- Vincent B.