Neuroplasticity & Relationships: A Path to Healing after Trauma

(1.5 general CE Credits)

This course is designed for social workers and others who support youth exposed to trauma. It covers brain development and how trauma affects behaviors in home and school environments. Professionals will learn that these behaviors result from brain pathways formed during traumatic events, including foster care. The course introduces neuroplasticity and the strategies to promote it, emphasizing the importance of relationships in the healing process. Understanding these concepts will help caregivers and professionals foster healing for youth who’ve been traumatized.

Learning Objectives:

1. Recognize how trauma affects brain development, function, and behavior in youth, and how this understanding can inform how neuroplasticity is an important element in the healing process that begins with connections.
2. Explain neuroplasticity and identify the role neuroplasticity plays in the brain healing from trauma.
   1. Analyze what a person needs in order for the brain to engage in this process.
3. Emphasize the importance of relationships in healing:
   1. Recognize the critical role of supportive and consistent relationships to create an environment for neuroplasticity to occur.
4. Analyze how relationships impact neuroplasticity and how this combination could be a pivotal part of the healing process for youth who have experienced childhood trauma and neglect.
   1. Describe strategies for promoting connectedness, trust, and positive relationships that encourage neuroplasticity and healing in youth who have experienced trauma.

Once the course is completed, you will be presented with a post-test and course evaluation that is mandatory to receive a certificate of completion and CEs.

Additional course and CE information can be found under the Materials tab.