This subject offers an advanced understanding of trauma, its impact on individuals and communities, and the skills necessary to provide effective support and intervention. Providing an overview of mental health practice, this subject is interwoven with principles of trauma-informed practice, enabling you to provide comprehensive support to individuals and communities affected by mental health challenges and trauma. Students will cover topics of understanding trauma, using trauma informed frameworks, understanding the impact of trauma and how that intersects across other factors with emphasis on appropriate approaches to foster safety and sensitivity in practice. This approach emphasises collaboration, empowerment, and a strengths-based perspective to promote healing and well-being.

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Admitted to 103804 MSW(PQ), 34704 Master of Guidance and Counselling OR Approval by Subject Coordinator

Admitted to 103804 MSW(PQ), 34704 Master of Guidance and Counselling OR Approval by Subject Coordinator Offerings: All

WS5502 - Mental Health and Trauma Informed Practice

Mental Health and Trauma Informed Practice

Evaluate the role of professional self-care when working with trauma-affected populations, and implement safe, trauma-informed strategies to minimise harm and promote well-being in professional practice

Critically examine the mental health legislation and social policy in Australia and how they relate to human rights and social justice


Critically analyse diverse perspectives on mental health and mental illness, including biomedical, sociological, and biopsychosocial models, and reflect on how these frameworks shape multidisciplinary practice, professional roles, and approaches to assessment and diagnosis


Differentiate various forms of trauma, analyse their effects on individuals and communities (including intergenerational trauma), and recognize how trauma symptoms and impacts across the lifespan are influenced by intersecting factors such as race, gender, culture, and socioeconomic status


Apply knowledge of the neurobiology of trauma to implement trauma-informed approaches in mental health settings through collaborative practice and advocacy for supportive policies and evidence-informed practices
