Course overview
Most current conceptualizations and treatments of trauma have not accounted for the unique circumstances faced by Indigenous people or CALD clients but have assumed there is a universal trauma response. This neglects the fact that trauma is not experienced independently of cultural context and is influenced by cultural and societal configurations. First Nations people and CALD groups (including refugees) face unique issues and stressors that impact their emotions, learning, behaviour, and psychosocial health. First Nations peoples experiences of ongoing colonisation, discrimination, lack of acceptance, racism, and stigma can significantly and negatively impact their mental health and wellbeing. In addition, many Indigenous people have experienced historical and ongoing trauma related to genocide, stolen generations and colonisation. People from CALD backgrounds, particularly those seeking asylum and refugees, experience greater stress and trauma compared to other groups. Refugees are likely to have faced traumatic experiences in the context of persecution, political conflict, organised violence, separation from family, forced displacement, and exposure to long periods of war. Understanding how culture and social position shape how trauma is experienced and healed is central to developing cultural responsiveness in the work with Indigenous people and CALD clients. This course will explore the unique challenges involved in supporting Indigenous people and CALD clients to heal from trauma as well as address issues that have relevance in their communities. Participants will gain an understanding of the impacts of the systemic and intergenerational trauma faced by these communities and learn to apply the principles of culturally responsive practice when working with these clients. By learning to apply Indigenous social, and emotional wellbeing principles, practices and healing frameworks, utilising Aboriginal and culturally sensitive concepts of trauma, graduates will gain specific skills that enable them to respond to trauma in individuals and communities.
Course learning outcomes
- Understand that impacts of systemic and intergenerational trauma are central to developing cultural responsiveness and to work effectively with Indigenous people and CALD clients
- Understand the impact of privilege, colonialism, oppression and racism on personal experiences and the need to consider these impacts when developing guidelines for trauma treatment.
- Critically appraise the role of Indigenous cultural healing modalities in trauma recovery and apply these in collaboration with the individual, family and community.
- Understand and apply principles of cultural responsiveness and cultural safety and how these relate to trauma recovery when working with Indigenous people and CALD clients
- Apply the principles of culturally responsive practice when working with diverse populations who have experienced trauma and understand how to create culturally safe environments
- Utilise culturally sensitive concepts of trauma such that graduates will gain specific skills that enables them to respond to trauma in individuals and communities.