OSHAA 30-Hours Childhood Trauma Support and Treatment Program
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Treatments for Childhood Traumas is a structured training program designed in alignment with occupational health and safety principles and modern mental health care standards. The course focuses on understanding the psychological and emotional impact of childhood trauma and developing safe, ethical, and supportive approaches to help individuals in recovery.
This program introduces learners to the fundamentals of childhood trauma, including its causes, types, and long-term effects on emotional, behavioral, and cognitive development. It emphasizes the importance of early identification, trauma-informed care, and creating safe environments that promote healing and emotional stability in children and adolescents.
In addition, the diploma provides practical knowledge of basic therapeutic approaches, communication techniques, and supportive intervention strategies used in trauma care settings. It is suitable for mental health professionals, counselors, educators, caregivers, and individuals working in child development or social services. By completing this course, learners gain essential skills to support trauma affected individuals in a safe, responsible, and professional manner in line with recognized occupational health, safety, and mental wellbeing standards.
OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Treatments for Childhood Traumas
- Minimum Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old to enroll in this professional mental health program
- Educational Background: Minimum secondary education (Matric/SSC) is required; candidates with qualifications in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, Education, Nursing, or related healthcare fields will be preferred
- Language Proficiency: Basic understanding of English is required to follow psychological concepts, course materials, and training guidelines effectively
- Work Experience: No prior experience is required; however, experience in mental health, education, childcare, or social services is considered an advantage
This course is suitable for beginners as well as professionals who wish to develop knowledge and skills in childhood trauma care in line with occupational health, safety, and mental wellbeing standards.
Study Units
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Childhood Trauma: Types and Impact (3 hours)
- Understand the different types of childhood trauma, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, and witnessing violence
- Recognise the long-term impact of childhood trauma on a child’s development and wellbeing
- Identify risk factors that increase the likelihood of childhood trauma
- Develop a foundational understanding of how trauma affects children at different stages of development
Biological and Psychological Effects of Trauma on Children (4 hours)
- Explore the biological changes in the brain and body due to childhood trauma
- Understand the psychological effects of trauma, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Learn how trauma influences emotional regulation and coping mechanisms in children
- Develop an understanding of trauma’s impact on a child’s attachment and social relationships
Recognising Early Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Trauma (3 hours)
- Identify common signs and symptoms of childhood trauma in different age groups
- Learn to distinguish between typical childhood behaviours and trauma-induced behaviours
- Understand the behavioural, emotional, and physical symptoms that may indicate a child has experienced trauma
- Develop skills in recognising early warning signs to initiate appropriate intervention
Evidence-Based Treatments for Trauma: TF-CBT, Play Therapy, and More (4 hours)
- Understand trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) and its application in treating childhood trauma
- Explore the use of play therapy as an effective treatment for traumatised children
- Learn about other evidence-based treatment methods, such as Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Understand the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to trauma recovery
Building Trust and Communication with Traumatised Children (5 hours)
- Learn techniques for building trust and rapport with traumatised children
- Understand the importance of creating a safe space for children to express themselves
- Develop communication skills for engaging with children about traumatic experiences in an age-appropriate manner
- Explore strategies to promote healing through empathetic and supportive interactions
Creating Safe and Supportive Environments for Healing (3 hours)
- Learn how to create a physical and emotional environment that supports recovery for traumatised children
- Understand the role of consistency, routine, and predictability in fostering a sense of security
- Develop strategies to make spaces safe, calm, and conducive to healing
- Recognise the importance of positive adult-child relationships in the healing process
The Role of Caregivers and Educators in Trauma Recovery (5 hours)
- Understand the vital role caregivers, educators, and mental health professionals play in supporting trauma recovery
- Learn how to work collaboratively with parents, teachers, and other professionals to create a support system for the child
- Develop skills in providing trauma-informed care and creating a nurturing environment
- Explore strategies for promoting resilience and emotional wellbeing in children affected by trauma
Collaborative Approaches: Working with Families, Schools, and Communities (3 hours)
- Understand the importance of a collaborative approach to childhood trauma recovery involving families, schools, and communities
- Develop skills for effectively communicating and coordinating with families and external support services
- Learn to create a community-based support network for traumatised children
- Understand the role of advocacy and systemic change in supporting long-term recovery for children
- Gain Expertise in Childhood Trauma: Acquire an in-depth understanding of childhood trauma, its types, and the long-term impact on children’s development and wellbeing.
- Learn Evidence-Based Treatment Methods: Develop practical skills in applying trauma-focused interventions, such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) and play therapy, to support children’s recovery.
- Recognise Early Signs of Trauma: Improve your ability to identify early signs and symptoms of trauma in children, allowing for timely intervention and support.
- Build Trusting Relationships with Traumatised Children: Learn how to establish rapport, communicate effectively, and provide a safe environment for children to heal and express themselves.
- Create Safe and Supportive Healing Environments: Understand how to create environments that promote emotional safety and support trauma recovery, both at home and in educational settings.
- Enhance Your Professional Skills: Strengthen your ability to work collaboratively with families, schools, and other professionals to provide a holistic approach to trauma recovery.
- Support Children’s Resilience and Emotional Wellbeing: Gain valuable tools to foster resilience, emotional regulation, and coping skills in children who have experienced trauma.
- Build Your Professional Qualifications: Earn a recognised diploma that enhances your career prospects in fields like education, social work, psychology, child protection, and counselling.
- Develop Trauma-Informed Practices: Learn to integrate trauma-informed practices into your professional approach, ensuring you can support children in a compassionate, effective way.
- Make a Positive Impact on Children’s Lives: Empower yourself with the knowledge to help children overcome the challenges of trauma, providing them with a better foundation for their future.
This course equips you with the necessary skills to support children in overcoming trauma and ensures a deeper understanding of how to effectively intervene and create an environment conducive to healing and growth.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Treatments for Childhood Traumas is designed for individuals who work with or care for children, providing them with the essential knowledge and skills to support children affected by trauma. This course is ideal for:
- Educators and Teaching Assistants: Teachers and support staff working in schools, early years settings, and special educational needs environments.
- Social Workers and Child Protection Professionals: Those involved in safeguarding children and supporting families affected by trauma.
- Therapists and Counsellors: Mental health professionals working with children, including child psychologists, therapists, and counsellors.
- Foster Carers and Adoptive Parents: Caregivers seeking to understand childhood trauma and improve their ability to support traumatised children.
- Healthcare Professionals: Paediatricians, nurses, and healthcare providers working in child-focused settings.
- Youth Workers and Community Support Staff: Professionals working with vulnerable children in community-based or youth service environments.
- Parents and Guardians: Individuals interested in learning about childhood trauma and the best ways to support their own children’s emotional wellbeing.
- Aspiring Professionals in Child Mental Health: Those considering a career in childhood trauma recovery or child psychology, looking to gain a solid foundation in trauma-informed care.
Whether you are new to the field or already have experience in child care or education, this course provides valuable insights and practical skills to enhance your approach to helping children affected by trauma.
