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Trauma Counseling Certification

Trauma survivors typically have experienced such things as abuse, war, violence, crime, disaster and accidents. Trauma counselors work with survivors to help them psychologically cope with the event.

  1. Characteristics

    • Trauma counselors must be able to work with people in a warm and compassionate manner. Individuals who come to trauma counselors should be able to speak with someone who is nonjudgmental and understanding. Counselors must have a clear understanding of human behavior, and how traumatic events can affect a person's sense of self and view of the world.

    Length of Instruction

    • The length of instruction a trauma counselor receives before obtaining their certification varies based on the school. According to the University of Wisconsin School of Continuing Education, trauma counseling certification involves 84 clock hours of classroom instruction. Instructors who understand the needs of traumatized populations often teach prospective trauma counselors. These instructors have often dealt with various areas of trauma counseling.

    Crisis Centers

    • There are a variety of institutions and organizations that need volunteer trauma counselors. For example, rape crisis centers often need volunteers to help victims cope with what they've gone through and receive crisis intervention. These organizations provide one way for a person to receive trauma counseling experience.

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