In 2018, the MTSU Professional Counseling Program decided to become a trauma-informed program. This decision was based on feedback received from former students practicing in the community. After consulting practitioners, we learned that a common issue with clients they were serving was trauma. Due to this common issue, the faculty began a journey to learn about trauma and how to train counselors-in-training to deal with clients who are experiencing trauma. To accomplish this goal, the faculty participated in trauma trainings including a two-day trauma competency training, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Brainspotting. In addition, trauma trainings were offered to the local community. 

In order to train trauma-informed counselors, trauma concepts, approaches, and treatments are infused in all courses. More specifically, the students will meet the following trauma competencies upon graduation:  

1. Explain the etiology and development of trauma through various theoretical models.
2. Identify and describe protective and risk factors for the development of trauma.
3. Explain the various types of stress, including acute, episodic, chronic, and complex stress.
4. Demonstrate use of diagnostic and assessment criteria for PTSD and other trauma disorders.
5. Demonstrate case conceptualization for trauma from a biopsychosocial, cultural, and spiritual perspective.
6. Understand and demonstrate evidence-based interventions for the address trauma.
7. Describe the importance of stabilization (e.g., self-regulation) in with trauma.