Radiant Sunshine Training Site

The course “Supporting Clients with Sexual Assault Trauma: Reclaiming One’s Voice” highlights the prevalence and impact of sexual assault trauma and emphasizes the critical role of therapy in fostering healing, resilience, and empowerment for survivors. The training defines the varying forms of sexual assault and their psychological, emotional, and physical implications. The training also explores the complex dynamics of trauma responses, importance of maintaining a safe therapeutic environment, and   

This training explores the efficacy and use of trauma informed care with sexual assault survivors. The training explores interventions clinicians can use to support clients throughout their healing journey to reclaim their voice and bodily autonomy. The training discusses challenges that may arise within the work with sexual assault survivors and the importance of self-care practices for clinicians to minimize compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma

This is a beginner’s level course and there are no specific prerequisites for this course. The course is open to social work professionals, students, and individuals interested in gaining knowledge and skills related to supporting clients and survivors of sexual violence survivors. 

Learning Objectives & Agenda

To understand the psychological and physiological impact of sexual assault trauma on survivors.

To recognize the unique challenges faced by survivors of sexual assault and their diverse coping mechanisms.

To identify the critical components of creating a safe and empowering therapeutic environment for survivors.

To gain knowledge of evidence-based therapeutic techniques and interventions tailored to the needs of sexual assault trauma survivors (i.e., trauma-informed approaches, CBT, and mindfulness-based practices)

To highlight the importance of establishing and maintaining professional boundaries while providing therapy for survivors of sexual assault trauma.

To recognize the potential for vicarious trauma and understand strategies for managing and mitigating its impact on therapists.

To develop a comprehensive understanding of ethical considerations and best practices when working with clients who have experienced sexual assault trauma in a therapeutic setting.

Outline:

0:00-0:05: Trainer Introduction + Learning objectives

0:05-0:10: Understanding sexual assault 

0:10-0:15: Emotional implications of sexual assault trauma

0:15-0:25: Physical and psychological implications of sexual assault trauma

0:25-0:30: Establishing a safe and therapeutic space

0:25-0:35: Trauma informed practices & evidence-based interventions 

0:35-0:45: Holistic approaches & treatment planning

0:45-0:55: Navigating challenges in therapy

0:55-1:00: Resources for sexual assault survivors + Conclusion 

1:00-1:10: Questions & Answers

1:10-1:15: Closing & Evaluation