Trauma-Informed Behavioral Health Certificate (Expressive Arts & Equine-Assisted)

 The School of Social Work offers a graduate-level certificate in Trauma-Informed Behavioral Health (TIBH). 

Leading practitioners across disciplines have adopted a trauma- informed lens that incorporates a deep understanding of the types and impact of trauma on neurobiology, behavioral health, and relationships.  Our certificate is grounded in trauma-informed behavioral health practices.  Certificate students will come with knowledge and skills associated with these practices or gain them through trauma courses that they will take as requirements for this certificate. 

The certificate comprises two areas of specialization within the larger framework of the expressive arts. 

What are the expressive arts?

The expressive arts combine the visual arts, drama, music, writing, movement, nature-based interventions, and other creative processes to foster healing, personal growth, learning, and community development. 

TIBH Certificate, Expressive Arts (EA) Track

Informed by national standards related to the practice of the expressive arts, this curriculum will provide students with knowledge and skills related to the use of visual, classic, fine, and applied arts to practice professionally with diverse clients and groups at all levels (micro, mezzo, macro) of practice.

EA Coursework: Students will take ONE core course related to trauma (3 credits); ONE core course related to methodology (3 credits); TWO EA electives (6 credits); and complete an EA internship (3 credits).

Content Related to Trauma (Core Course, Select ONE)

SOWK/SWK 640            Trauma-Informed Therapy

OR

ACCN 586.01                   Trauma Institute for K – 12 Educators

OR

SOWK/SWK 626            Traumatic Bereavement:  Assessment & Intervention

AND

Content Related to Methodology (Core Course, Select ONE)

SOWK 730                        Qualitative Analysis

OR

ART 602                           Qualitative Research & Arts-Based Research Methods

AND

Electives (Select TWO)

ART 584                           Studio Art for Graduate Students

OR

ENGL 641                       Poetry

OR

ENGL 643                       Drama

OR

645                                     The Short Story

OR

ENGL 678                       The Teacher as Writer I or II

OR

682                                     Genres in Nonfiction Writing

OR                                     

SOWK/SWK 609          Art Therapy

Please note:  other courses may meet elective requirement pending review and approval of TIBH Certificate Coordinator.

AND

Internship - 250 Hours 

Graduate social work students who are completing an MSW-required Practicum will collaborate with our Practicum Director and Certificate Coordinator to identify a placement (either generalist or specialization year) that will accommodate the student's needs to complete work within the framework of the expressive arts. Students not enrolled in MU MSW program will work with the TIBH Coordinator to identify an approved expressive-arts-focused internship or equivalent expressive arts project.     

TIBH Certificate, Equine Assisted Therapy & Learning (EATL) Track

Equine-assisted strategies are widely accepted and utilized to address a variety of mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and substance use. Benefits of equine-assisted therapy and learning transcend categories of diagnostic mental and emotional health, providing a foundation from which clients and learners can explore key relationship issues, including trust, emotional regulation, connection, empathy, communication, and healthy attachment.  Partnerships with horses require clients and learners to regulate their emotions, remain present, and move with awareness.  These components of mindfulness are required in horse-human interactions and support the development of internal calm and balance (equanimity), while providing opportunities for trust in the context of relationship.  Working with horses requires clients and learners to grow, both physically and mentally, building a healthier self-image and increased confidence. 

This curriculum will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to utilize equine-assisted and nature-based interventions to practice professionally with diverse clients and groups at all levels (micro, mezzo, macro) of practice.

Equine-Assisted Therapy & Learning (EATL) Coursework: Students will take ONE core course related to trauma (3 credits); ONE core course related to methodology (3 credits); TWO EATL electives (6 credits); and complete an EATL internship (3 credits).

Content Related to Trauma (Core Course, Select ONE)

SOWK/SWK 640            Trauma-Informed Therapy

OR

ACCN 586.01                   Trauma Institute for K – 12 Educators

OR

SOWK/SWK 626            Traumatic Bereavement:  Assessment & Intervention

AND

Content Related to Methodology (Core Course, Select ONE)

SOWK 730                        Qualitative Analysis

OR

ART 602                           Qualitative Research & Arts-Based Research Methods

AND

Electives (Select TWO)

SOWK 640                      Introduction to Animal-Assisted Social Work

AND

EALT                                  Equine-Assisted Therapy & Learning Institute

AND

Internship - 250 Hours    

Students will complete graduate-level practicum hours in an EATL internship at Lone Oak or at another equine setting approved by the Certificate Coordinator. Students enrolled in the MU MSW program will satisfy this requirement (Practicum, 630/631) as part of their specialization year. Students enrolled elsewhere or who have completed their graduate degree will be required to complete 250 hours of practicum at Lone Oak or in an equine setting approved by the Certificate Coordinator.                    

Please note:  other courses may meet elective requirement pending review and approval of TIBH Certificate Coordinator.

  

 

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