This course is focused on the study of psychological trauma. It will provide students with a comprehensive review of psychological trauma and its types (sexual abuse, combat, life tragedies), using readings, lectures and clinical case discussions. The course begins with a discussion of a range of traumatic events and definitions of trauma symptoms and responses. The course will then explore etiology, assessment, identification, process exposure approaches in working with trauma, vicarious and secondary trauma, ‘spiritual’ manifestations of trauma, the physiological impact of trauma on the brain and some common comorbid conditions that accompany trauma. Other various expressions and associated symptoms of psychological trauma are discussed as it pertains to the work contexts of chaplains. Research on the relevant risk and protective factors associated with traumatic stress is also presented.

Course fulfills the following curricular requirements:
MAC – Chaplaincy elective
MAC – Islamic Chaplaincy elective
MAIRS – Ministerial Studies: Arts of Ministry