Page 19 - WilmU - Spring 2017

Dr. Debra L. Berke
possible connections to trauma and knowing how to relate helpfully.”
Gillespie adds that students will be able to immediately apply what they learn to the workplace. “In the Trauma and Self-Care course (PSY 421), students formulate an individual self-care plan,” she says. “The goal is for them to incorporate self-care techniques into their lives right away. Students also formulate recommendations for organizational self-care. They’re creating programs and ideas that will help them in their professional roles as staff and management.”
Broomell, who works at Connections, Inc. in Wilmington, implemented diverse skills right away. His consumers responded well and were more willing to open up about experiences and treatment goals.
“Since we use a trauma-informed approach, students will already have general knowledge about the various approaches — what is trauma and
how it affects people,” says Cherelyn Homlish, an adjunct instructor and associate director of People’s Place II, Inc., in Milford. “We will be able to quickly familiarize them with [our] specific model and they will be able to begin practicing it much sooner than other students might.”
The TIA certificate will appeal to potential employers. “I think it will make students attractive to employers since the trend in the human service industry is an enhanced understanding of trauma and how trauma impacts individuals,” says Gillespie. “Having this certificate will make the student seem very cutting edge and informed of the latest trends and academic research around trauma informed work. As someone who does some hiring in my field, I know this certificate would make me take a second look at an applicant.”
Brower agrees. “Providers and policy-makers in most service settings are increasingly aware of the prevalence
and potential impacts of adversity,” she says. “They are more likely than ever before to be considering or in the process of implementing trauma- informed practices. The certificate holder brings a deeper understanding of the topic and knowledge of resources that can assist the service managers in meeting their goals of trauma-informed programming.”
As Broomell attests, “When my new director at Connections saw the classes I had been taking, she was very impressed. Most organizations are slowly moving to a more trauma- informed approach. This certification will look great on a résumé, especially for people just entering the field.”
“I can see students who are trauma- informed becoming the top candidates for employment,” adds Homlish. WU
—Debra Berke
Dr. Debra L. Berke is director of Psychology programs in WilmU’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
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