The University of Guelph is pleased to announce the launch of a unique new training initiative aimed at supporting student mental health through Trauma-Informed Care Training: Connecting with Compassion. This innovative program, one of the first of its kind being offered to staff and faculty on a Canadian campus, is designed to equip our faculty and staff with the necessary tools to foster a supportive and understanding campus environment that fuels student success.
Why Trauma-Informed Care?
This training fulfills one of the recommendations from the President’s Task Force on Student Mental Health Report to identify gaps in mental well-being training with consideration of compassion and trauma-informed approaches and alignment with anti-racism, allyship and cultural competence training. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that most people will experience up to three traumatic events their lifetime, so a comprehensive strategy for student wellness support must take into account how past, present or generational trauma can impact students.
Trauma-Informed Care Training: Connecting with Compassion was developed by a multidisciplinary group with representation from Cultural Diversity, Sexual and Gender Diversity, Residence Life, Counselling Services Indigenous Student Centre and the Department of Psychology.
“Trauma is not unusual or exceptional. Generational trauma and trauma related to systemic discrimination and colonialism is all around us,” said Dr. Marsha Hinds Myrie, educational developer, anti-oppressive and inclusive pedagogies, who was part of the training development team. “As a result, trauma-informed approaches are important to ensure that we can make the University a safer space for diversified people. At the University of Guelph, there are many good people trying to do good things – this course will help all of us continue to do that work.”
The training does not intend for staff and faculty members to take on the work of professional counsellors, but instead to further develop their skillsets to better manage existing relationships and situations with students. By integrating compassion and trauma-informed approaches with essential aspects of anti-racism, allyship, and cultural competence training, it allows for a more empathetic and effective response that supports student self-regulation and overall mental health.
The Difference a Trauma-Informed Approach Can Make
Some staff at Health Services have already had the opportunity to take the training and apply it to their roles. “Our team found that the training increased their self-awareness,” said Heidelein Friesen, Manager of Health Services. “I believe it will help staff across the University build connections and trust that will further foster a culture of safety and inclusion.”
Crystal Wyllie, counsellor/therapist in Student Wellness Services, also expects the training will be impactful across campus. “I’m delighted that the program is out there and hopeful that people in the university participate. We all need to be aware of how trauma can impact a person’s responses and reactions. This training is incredibly valuable for all faculty and staff as it provides both information and tools to recognize and respond to a student, peer, colleague or friend whose behaviour might be the result of trauma. It will prevent misunderstanding and lead to better, more person–centered communication and care.”
How to Sign Up for Trauma-Informed Care Training: Connecting with Compassion
We invite all student-facing departments and faculty members to participate in this ground-breaking training. The training is two hours in-person and provides strategies for implementing the Six Principles of Trauma-Informed Care into the work that staff and faculty are already doing to support students.
While this is not clinical training, it is an invaluable resource for those engaged in everyday interactions with students and course creation. Understanding and applying Trauma-Informed Care will enhance your ability to support our diverse student body more effectively.
To book Trauma-Informed Care Training: Connecting with Compassion for your staff or faculty team, please email mentalhealth.training@uoguelph.ca. Together, we can create a campus climate that truly promotes well-being and success for all our students.
Thank you for your commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment at the University of Guelph.