The MTSU Professional Counseling Program is a  trauma-informed program that aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to effectively support individuals who have experienced trauma.  The outcomes below ensure that graduates of the MTSU Professional Counseling Program are well-prepared to provide compassionate, effective, and culturally sensitive support to individuals who have experienced trauma.  After completing the program, students will understand the following program outcomes related to trauma:

Program Outcomes

1. Understanding Trauma:
• Knowledge of Trauma Types: Students will understand various types of trauma, including acute, chronic, and complex trauma, and their effects on individuals across the lifespan.
• Impact of Trauma: Students will comprehend the neurobiological, psychological, and sociocultural impacts of trauma on individuals and communities.
2. Assessment Skills:
• Trauma Assessment: Students will be able to conduct thorough trauma assessments, identifying signs and symptoms of trauma and understanding the unique ways trauma manifests in different individuals.
• Risk and Resilience Factors: Students will assess risk and resilience factors, recognizing protective factors that promote healing and recovery.
3. Trauma-Informed Interventions:
• Evidence-Based Practices: Students will gain knowledge about evidence-based, trauma-informed interventions and therapeutic approaches, such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and Brainspotting. 
• Crisis Intervention: Students will demonstrate skills in crisis intervention, providing immediate support and stabilization for individuals in acute distress.
4. Cultural Competence:
• Cultural Sensitivity: Students will develop cultural competence, understanding the role of culture, identity, and context in the experience and treatment of trauma.
• Inclusive Practices: Students will implement trauma-informed practices that are inclusive and respectful of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
5. Ethical and Legal Considerations:
• Ethical Standards: Students will adhere to ethical standards in trauma-informed counseling, including confidentiality, informed consent, and professional boundaries.
• Legal Knowledge: Students will be knowledgeable about legal considerations related to trauma counseling, such as mandatory reporting laws and clients' rights.
6. Professional Competence:
• Reflective Practice: Students will engage in reflective practice, continuously evaluating and improving their own counseling techniques and self-awareness.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Students will collaborate effectively with other professionals and community resources to provide comprehensive care for trauma survivors.
7. Self-Care and Resilience:
• Self-Care Strategies: Students will develop and implement self-care strategies to manage the emotional and psychological demands of trauma work.
• Vicarious Trauma: Students will recognize and address the signs of vicarious trauma and burnout, ensuring their own well-being and longevity in the field.
8. Program Evaluation:
• Outcome Measurement: Students will be able to evaluate the effectiveness of trauma-informed interventions, using appropriate outcome measures to assess client progress and program impact.
• Continuous Improvement: Students will contribute to the continuous improvement of trauma-informed practices and policies within their professional settings.

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History of trauma-informed program

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.