Interdisciplinary Post-Graduate Certificate in Trauma

Participants will acquire specialized training and treatment techniques to support survivors of trauma.

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Program Overview

Through our interdisciplinary 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 any clinical setting, 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. These credits may be applicable to other disciplines as well; please check with your licensing board. Recommended interdisciplinary programs include nursing, substance abuse treatment and counseling, personal counseling, physical therapy, occupational therapy, human sexuality studies, and psychology. 

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) logo

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

 

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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 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. You may attend in person or watch a video recording. Each presentation awards 5 social work CEUs.

2021-2022 presentation dates:

  • September 10th, 2021
  • October 8th, 2021
  • November 12th, 2021
  • December 17th, 2021
  • January 14th, 2022
  • February 18th, 2022
  • March 18th, 2022
  • April 8th, 2022

Monthly Group Supervision

Group supervision takes place on a flexible schedule: Fridays after each presentation from 3:30–5:30 p.m. or Tuesdays from 6:30–8:30 p.m.

    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

    Application requirements include:

    • Trauma certificate application
    • Two-page essay describing why you are interesting in obtaining this certificate, including professional interest, experiences, and future goals
    • Your most current resume
    • A copy of your transcript from the MSW program, or other professional program of attendance, and if applicable, a copy of LSW or LCSW or other clinical license
    • Letter of recommendation from current or past supervisor or teacher

    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 2021 certificate program, submit your application materials by May 31st, 2021.

    Download the Application

    Program Highlights

    Learn from Trauma-Experienced 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.

    Practice-Oriented Presentations

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

    • Knowledge of the neurological impact of trauma across the lifespan
    • Somatic-based therapies
    • Ethics training
    • An understanding of the relationship between addiction and trauma
    • Steps to help adolescent survivors of trauma across multiple settings
    • Guidance around trauma work with vulnerable adults
    • Suicide prevention
    • Considerations when addressing intimate partner violence
    • Developing your own agency and community approaches to trauma

    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 and supervision on campus or online. 

    Take the Next Steps

    Apply today and start your progress towards a valuable interdisciplinary certificate focused on understanding trauma.

    Tuition and Fees

    The cost of the trauma certificate is $950, which can be paid either in full at the start of the program or in two payments, half during the fall semester and the other half during the spring semester.

    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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