Research undertaken by WITT nursing tutors Helen Bingham and Tara Malone on the trauma-informed care micro-credential they created and teach, shows that participants have demonstrated a positive change in their empathy and compassion towards people who have experiences of trauma.
“The aim of the programme is to develop people’s proficiency in the principles, knowledge and practice of trauma-informed care, when caring for and working with people who have multi-dimensional experiences of trauma,” says Malone.
The next trauma-informed care eight-week programme starts on April 24, 2024. It is offered online over 10 weeks, and includes two face-to-face workshops.
Research undertaken by WITT nursing tutors Helen Bingham and Tara Malone on the trauma-informed care micro-credential they created and teach, shows that participants have demonstrated a positive change in their empathy and compassion towards people who have experiences of trauma.
The programme gives people an understanding of the neuroscience behind trauma, trauma in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand and how trauma manifests in a variety of behaviours. It also offers some brief interventions to use with a client, patient or whānau member.
Developed in 2019, the programme was borne out of recommendations made in He Ara Oranga: Report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction (2018) report and Kia Hora Te Marino: Trauma-informed care for Māori (2018).
Recent participant Sheryl Robinson said: “On reflection I have definitely benefited from completing the trauma-informed micro-credential. It has deepened and enhanced my understanding of being trauma-informed and good practice using a trauma-informed lens.”
The application of this programme is suitable for everyone in a client-focused health and social service role, from those who work in Corrections through to those in social services, mental health, counselling and health.
Bingham and Mallone both have a strong interest in trauma and find it satisfying to know that their programme and work in this area is making a difference.
Find out more here.
Tracey Howarth,
Western Institute of Technology communications and engagement advisor