About the Course
The overall aim of Trauma-Informed Practice is to ensure that services are delivered in ways that prevent further harm or re-traumatization for individuals who have experienced psychological trauma or adversity at any stage in life. This training supports professionals in promoting a climate of care grounded in trauma-informed principles, with emphasis on practical application and discussion of implementation challenges.
This 2-day training equips professionals with the knowledge and applied skills to deliver safe, effective, and culturally responsive trauma-informed care. Day 1 introduces the foundational principles of Trauma-Informed Practice (TIP)—safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment—while exploring the impact of trauma across the lifespan and its relevance in everyday professional interactions. Day 2 builds on this foundation with clinical tools for trauma assessment, stabilization, cultural responsiveness, and supervision.
Course Outline:
Day 1: Foundations of Trauma-Informed Practice
Understanding Trauma
Types of trauma (complex, developmental, historical)
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Impact of trauma
Neurobiology & Trauma Responses
Fight, flight, freeze, fawn responses
Brain-body response to trauma
Behavioral signs
Principles of Trauma-Informed Practice
SAMHSA’s 6 principles
Trauma-sensitive vs trauma-informed practice
Trauma in Everyday Practice
Reframing behavior through a trauma lens
Relational safety
Identifying triggers
Worker Wellness & Vicarious Trauma
Compassion fatigue
Secondary trauma
Boundary setting
Day 2: Clinical and Applied Skills in Trauma-Informed Practice
Recap & Clinical Orientation
Expectations for clinical deepening
Safety in clinical work
Trauma Assessment & Formulation
Trauma screening tools (ACEs, CTQ, CATS)
Trauma-informed intake
Formulation through attachment and regulation lenses
Stabilisation & Regulation
Psychoeducation
Grounding techniques
Window of tolerance
Visual tools and somatic cues
Cultural Responsiveness in Clinical Work
Cultural humility
Trauma across cultures
Values and belief systems in healing
Evidence-Based Trauma Modalities (Overview)
TF-CBT, EMDR, CPT
Matching modality to client presentation
Clinical Supervision Through a Trauma Lens
Parallel process
Vicarious trauma in supervision
7-Eye or IDM supervision models
Integration & Closing
Action planning
Applying insights to practice
Course Objectives
This course equips the participants with trauma-informed principles and clinical tools to assess, stabilize, and support trauma-affected individuals across diverse frontline and therapeutic settings.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for helping professionals who work with trauma-affected individuals and require applied skills to support safe, effective, and culturally responsive care. It is especially relevant for:
Mental health professionals (e.g. psychologists, counsellors, therapists), Caseworkers and social service practitioners, Programme staff in community or residential settings, and Supervisors and clinical leads supporting trauma-informed teams.
Award
Participants who meet 75% class attendance will be awarded a Certificate of Accomplishment by the Academy of Human Development.
Your Trainer
Ms Mercy Teo
Ms Mercy Teo is the Founder and Director of Nurture Growth, Nurture Relationships. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the medical and community based social work setting, and has gained 12 years of rich experience in crisis and trauma work. In the last 7 years, she has been equipping and training community social service professionals and school counsellors in TF-CBT and trauma-informed care in the community. Mercy has a Master’s in Social Work and is an active practitioner in TF-CBT and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) as a trauma therapist. She is also trained in Let's Connect, a trauma responsive parenting modality. She is currently also a consultant, supervisor and trainer to several organizations in the local community and in Asia.
Testimonials
Psychologist, SCDF
Trainer is knowledgeable, approachable, helpful in sharing insights from rich experiences. Thank you Mercy!
Social Worker, Care Corner Singapore Ltd
The trainer provided many experiences and case studies on how TIP can be practiced across different settings. The trauma lens enable me to better understand and assess my clients experiences.
Senior Social Worker, Allkin Singapore
Great job and thank you for sharing with us the importance of being trauma informed.
