Trauma (Certificate)

Acquire specialized training and treatment techniques to support survivors of trauma.

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Program Overview

Through our post-graduate trauma certificate, you will attend topical presentations and complete group supervision as you learn to serve people who have experienced trauma and post-traumatic stress.

In all social work settings, you will encounter clients who exhibit a wide range of trauma-based symptoms. Our trauma certificate will better prepare you to manage these symptoms by uncovering what happened to clients instead of searching for what is wrong with them. As you explore methods for helping people cope, build resilience, and experience more of life’s pleasures, you will focus on your own ability to sustain support without succumbing to vicarious traumatization. Along the way, you’ll earn credits to maintain your LCSW or LSW licensure.

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) logo

The Center for Social Work Education is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

 

Program Options

To earn our post-graduate trauma certificate, you will attend 8 monthly presentations and complete at least 16 hours of group supervision.

Monthly Presentations

Presentations take place on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You may attend in person or watch a video recording. Each presentation awards 5 CEUs.

2019-2020 presentation dates:

  • October 11, 2019
  • November 8, 2019
  • December 13, 2019
  • January 24, 2020
  • February 21, 2020
  • March 27, 2020
  • April 24, 2020
  • May 22, 2020

Group Supervision

Group supervision takes place on a flexible schedule: Fridays after each presentation from 3:30–5:30 p.m., Tuesdays from 6:00–8:00 p.m., or Saturdays in a more intensive format from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

    You may attend individual presentations without pursuing the full certificate. See our Professional Development page for details about our continuing education events and offerings.

    Pursue our nationally recognized master of social work and complete our trauma certificate as part of the curriculum.

    Learn more about our master of social work program.

    Admissions Requirements

    Students in the certificate program must hold an MSW. Application requirements include:

    • Trauma certificate application
    • Two-page essay describing why you are interested in obtaining this certificate, including professional interest, experiences, and future goals
    • Copy of the transcript from your MSW program or a copy of your LSW or LCSW license
    • Letter of recommendation from a teacher or your current or past supervisor

    To apply, submit your application and supplemental materials to Dr. Beth Barol at bibarol@widener.edu. Once we receive your application materials, we will set up a phone or face-to-face interview.

    For entry into the fall 2019 certificate program, submit your application materials by October 1, 2019.

    Program Highlights

    Learn from Powerhouse Presenters

    Led by accomplished faculty, veteran social workers, and trauma specialists, our monthly presentations will highlight treatment techniques from a wide range of expert perspectives.

    Engage with Practical Presentations

    From day one, you will acquire portable skills you can apply to your social work role, including but not limited to:

    • Somatic-based therapies
    • Addiction and trauma
    • Helping adolescent survivors of trauma across multiple settings
    • Intimate partner violence
    • Trauma work with vulnerable adults
    • Suicide prevention
    • Ethics

    Partner with Skilled Supervisors

    During your supervision sessions, you will work with experienced supervisors in a small group setting where you'll focus on treatment models and techniques for trauma.

    Study on Your Terms

    Our trauma certificate will fit your learning goals, career goals, and everyday life. Attend presentations on campus or online. And choose supervision dates that work with your schedule.  

    Take the Next Steps

    Apply today and start your journey toward a powerful trauma certificate.

    Visit Us

    To visit Widener is, more often than not, to fall in love with the place. To fit your timeline and schedule, we offer a variety of ways to get to know us.

    View Tuition and Fees

    Explore program costs and payment options.

    Next steps to apply

    Get started today by completing our trauma certificate application. Send the application, along with your supplemental materials, to Dr. Beth Barol at bibarol@widener.edu.

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