Contemporary Issues in Traumatology (CO2011Z)

Content

Many clients will seek counselling for trauma, even if their presenting issue appears otherwise. Extending upon your studies in CO2001Z and CO2003Z, this unit will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary issues in Traumatology. In addition to teaching advanced counselling skills, this unit will engage topics such as inter-generational trauma, moral injury, shattered assumptions theory and post-traumatic growth. By completing this unit, you will be well placed to engage clients with a variety of presentations underscored by various traumas.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

Offering: This unit is to be taught in year 2, semester 1 (term 2).

Prerequisites: CO1005Z Introduction To Counselling CO1007Z Introduction To Psychology CO2001Z Human Development, Personality, And Identity CO2003Z Trauma-Informed Counselling In The Context Of Loss and Grief

Prohibited combinations: CO2005Z Working With Couples And Families

Pedagogy

Problem-based learning In practice: To understand how to structure a question and use a logical process to derive an outcome which meets appropriate intellectual/professional standards is an important skill for counsellors. Through the provision of various intellectual lenses and associated problems students have the opportunity to engage problem-solving at a deeper level. While this is done effectively with online modules, at a face-to-face intensive, or during online seminars, students also get exposed to: (1) ambiguous problems; (2) problems with multiple answers; (3) problems with probabilistic outcomes; (4) problems with no good answers or no answers at all. In this way they begin to develop a rich understanding of what it is like to work with clients. Assessments are designed to enhance students’ problem-solving skills and to assess their readiness for clinical practice.

Indicative Bibliography

1. Citraningtyas, T. (2024). Lived experiences of resilience in disaster: Riding the waves of survival and making meaning. Routledge.
2. Davediu Gingrich, H., & Gingrich, F. (2017). Treating trauma in Christian counselling. IVP Academic.
3. Davies, J. (2011). The importance of suffering: The value and meaning of emotional discontent. Taylor & Francis Ltd.
4. Janoff-Bulman, R. (1992). Shattered assumptions: Towards a new psychology of trauma. Free Press.
5. King, J., & Strang, C. (2025). Art therapy and the neuroscience of trauma: Theoretical and practical perspectives. Routledge.
6. Lopez Levers, L. (2022). Trauma counselling: Theories and interventions for managing trauma, stress, crisis, and disaster (2nd edition). Springer.
7. Papadopoulos, R. (2020). Moral injury and beyond: Understanding human anguish and healing traumatic wounds. Routledge.
8. Shakespeare-Finch, J., Scully, P., & Bruenig, D. (2024). Trauma, resilience, and posttraumatic growth in frontline personnel. Routledge.
9. Stewart, S., Moodley, R., & Hyatt, A. (2019). Indigenous cultures and mental health counselling. Routledge.
10. Tujague, N. and Ryan, K. (2023). Cultural safety in trauma-informed practice from a First Nations perspective: Billabongs of knowledge. Palgrave MacMillan.

Assessment