Graduate Certificate in Trauma-Informed Practice
Over the past 20 years, a convergence of research on neuroscience, epigenetics, adversity and toxic stress has established that exposure to trauma and toxic stress adversely affects the health and well-being of children, youth, adults and communities. Social workers in all practice areas are likely to encounter trauma and adversity in the populations they serve. Prepare to engage in trauma-informed practice with a certificate designed to address differential responses to trauma.
Trauma-Informed Practice NMT Fellowship
Through partnership with Dr. Bruce Perry and the Neurosequential Network, Fellows will have the opportunity to be trained and certified in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT)— an evidence-based, developmentally sensitive model of clinical problem solving for traumatized individuals, families, and communities. Fellows will complete their field education requirements in specialized settings that are focused on evidence-based, trauma-informed assessment and treatment of trauma with our community partner organizations, where they will be able to apply the skills they are building through the NMT training process. This innovative, comprehensive program is the first in the country to train social workers in the evidence-based, developmentally sensitive model.
What is NMT?
NMT is an approach that integrates core principles of neurodevelopment and trauma theory to inform work with children, families, and the communities in which they live. It has three main components: training/capacity building, assessment and then specific recommendations for the selection and sequencing of therapeutic, educational, and enrichment activities that match the needs and strengths of the individual.
Where can I use NMT?
NMT is widely applicable to a variety of clinical and educational settings and has been integrated into a variety of settings across the life cycle-- infants through adults-- including therapeutic preschools, head start programs, early childhood mental health, residential treatment facilities, and a multitude of private and outpatient therapeutic practices with young children, youth, and adults.
What does the training entail?
In the first year, interested students are invited to participate in the Trauma and the Brain Training Series, a year-long monthly program which will provide foundational knowledge of trauma, development, and neurobiology. Those who complete the Trauma and the Brain Training Series will be invited to apply for the second year Fellowship opportunity. Five Fellows will be chosen to participate in a year-long 3 credit hour course focused on the NMT curriculum. This will be a combination of self-paced virtual learning, in-class didactic education, and in-class discussion and skills practice. At the end of the NMT course curriculum, fellows will have the option of becoming certified as NMT practitioners. In addition, the Fellows will complete their second year field placement at a partner site certified in NMT.
Fellows will meet regularly as a group with Trauma Center faculty to receive additional group supervision and resources related to the prevention and mitigation of secondary traumatic stress.
NMT Fellowship Stipend & Program Eligibility Requirements
- Social Work students selected for this training program will receive a $7,500 stipend.
- Training requirements stipulate that students must be enrolled in the full time, two-year, weekly MSW format. Students must be enrolled in the Trauma and the Brain program at the time of application to the NMT Fellowship program; completion of the Trauma and the Brain program is required for all selected students.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Jennifer A. King,
Director of the NMT Fellowship Program