Foundations of Trauma & Trauma-Informed Care: Understanding Harm, Healing, and Resilience

This foundational training offers participants a grounding in the core principles of trauma and trauma-informed care. We’ll explore what trauma is, how it shows up in people’s lives and bodies, and the profound ways it can shape behavior, relationships, and access to services. Participants will gain insight into the different types of trauma, including acute, chronic, and complex trauma, and how adverse experiences across the lifespan can impact survivors.

In addition to understanding individual trauma, the training will explore the broader context of systemic and collective trauma—including racism, poverty, ableism, and other forms of structural harm. Together, we’ll examine how systems that are meant to offer support can instead perpetuate trauma, particularly for historically marginalized communities.

Throughout the session, we will center the importance of resilience—both individual and collective—as a powerful counter to trauma. Participants will leave with practical strategies to apply trauma-informed principles in their work and with a deeper appreciation for the role of trust, safety, and empowerment in supporting healing.

This training is ideal for advocates, service providers, and organizational leaders who are newer to trauma-informed approaches or looking to revisit the fundamentals through an equity-centered lens.

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Speaker

Robyn C. Sordelett is a clinical social worker and advocate for trauma-informed care and violence prevention. Her career includes work in the criminal justice system, community organizations, and legislative advocacy on a federal and state level. Robyn is committed to empowering advocates to address their own psychological and emotional health in order to enhance survivor outcomes and wellness in the field. Her work focuses on vicarious trauma and resilience, systemic causes of burnout, and sustainable advocacy practices. Robyn has a Bachelor of Arts in English and Sociology from the University of Richmond and received her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California.