About This Course

In today’s world, trauma doesn’t just happen on the battlefield or in hospitals—it happens in our neighborhoods, homes, workplaces, and schools. Natural disasters, violent incidents, personal loss, and other distressing events can leave everyday people feeling overwhelmed, frightened, or isolated. When someone we care about experiences trauma, it’s natural to want to help—but many of us don’t know how to respond in a way that’s truly supportive.

This course was designed to fill that gap.

This course is an empowering 8-hour classroom-based training that teaches everyday people how to be an effective source of calm, compassion, and stability in the aftermath of a crisis. You don’t need a degree in psychology to make a difference—you just need the right tools, understanding, and approach.

Participants will learn how to recognize signs of emotional and psychological distress, offer practical support without causing harm, and avoid common mistakes that can unintentionally deepen trauma. Whether you’re a parent, coworker, friend, teacher, or simply someone who wants to be better prepared to support others in difficult times, this course gives you the skills to step up with confidence.

This training is not a replacement for professional mental health care—it’s a bridge. A way to help others get from the moment of crisis to a place where healing can begin. And along the way, you’ll learn how to take care of yourself, too.

Topics Covered:

Understanding psychological trauma and its immediate impact

The principles of psychological first aid (PFA)

How to communicate calmly and effectively with someone in distress

Providing support without pushing, judging, or retraumatizing

Identifying red flags that indicate the need for professional help

Setting boundaries while offering help

Recognizing and managing your own stress responses as a helper

How to support children and teens after a crisis

Building personal and community resilience

Resources and referral tools for further support

Equipment required:

An open mind

Pen and paper

Prerequisites:

None

Course Notes:

This is a classroom course, but come prepared to be challenged mentally and emotionally.