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Mary Allison Jensen, MSW

“Mary Allison was wonderful in her teaching role. I wanted to hear every bit of what Mary Allison had to say.”

“I loved all the knowledge and statistics Mary Allison gave. It explained the impact of the severity of childhood experiences.”

Did you know that 46% of children will experience a traumatic event before the age of 18?

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“Mary Allison was wonderful in her teaching role. I wanted to hear every bit of what Mary Allison had to say.”

“I loved all the knowledge and statistics Mary Allison gave. It explained the impact of the severity of childhood experiences.”

Did you know that 46% of children will experience a traumatic event before the age of 18?

In this course, you will learn the definition of trauma and what constitutes early childhood trauma. You will learn about how trauma biologically impacts brain development and how that can lead to negative health and social outcomes. By learning about trauma, you will be able to develop the skills you need to adopt a perspective of compassion.

This course is packed with jaw-dropping statistics and information. You won't need any special materials to take this course other than your curiosity and pen and paper for note taking.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Define trauma
  • Understand the developmental implications of early childhood trauma
  • Understand the prevalence of trauma
  • Identify the basic brain structures involved in the biological response to trauma
  • Understand how toxic stress impacts the brain

Syllabus

What to Expect From This Course
Introduction to Brain Changing Trauma
Meet Your Instructor
Course Overview and Learning Objectives
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Research shows that taking a test BEFORE we begin learning actually improves our understanding and retention of the material. Take this pre-test to see where you will need to focus your energy as you progress through the course.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides an understanding of trauma's impact, which is essential for professionals working with children who may have experienced adverse events
Explores the concept of neuroplasticity, offering a message of hope and resilience for those affected by trauma or seeking personal growth
Examines the impact of trauma on relationships, imagination, play, learning, and cognition, which are key areas of development in early childhood
Includes a pre-test, which may help learners identify areas where they need to focus their attention and improve their understanding of the material
Requires learners to take a test before learning, which may be an unfamiliar or ineffective learning strategy for some students
Focuses on early childhood brain development, which may not be directly applicable to understanding trauma in older children or adults

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Reviews summary

Essential introduction to childhood trauma

According to learners, this course provides an essential and impactful introduction to understanding the effects of trauma in early childhood. Many find the content eye-opening and profoundly moving, particularly appreciating the powerful statistics and research presented. The instructor, Mary Allison, is consistently praised for her knowledgeable, compassionate, and engaging teaching style. While reviewers note it serves as a solid foundation, some suggest it could benefit from more in-depth exploration or additional resources for those seeking advanced knowledge. Overall, the course is seen as a valuable and accessible resource for gaining crucial insights into this critical topic.
Provides a strong introduction to the topic.
"This course is a great starting point for understanding childhood trauma."
"It covers the basics thoroughly and is accessible for beginners."
"I gained a solid understanding of the definition and impact of early trauma."
"The syllabus structure builds knowledge logically."
"Perfect for getting a foundational grasp before exploring deeper."
Reviewers highlight the impactful data presented.
"The statistics provided were jaw-dropping and really drove home the prevalence of trauma."
"I loved all the knowledge and statistics Mary Allison gave. It explained the impact of the severity of childhood experiences."
"The research shared made the concepts feel very grounded and credible."
"Learning about the rates of trauma was both shocking and necessary."
"The data presented reinforces the critical importance of this topic."
Course content is seen as vital and eye-opening.
"This course is essential for anyone working with children or interested in child development."
"I found the information presented truly eye-opening and impactful."
"Understanding the biological impact of trauma is crucial, and this course explained it well."
"The content provides a solid foundation for understanding complex issues."
"It shifted my perspective significantly on challenging behaviors in children."
Instructor Mary Allison is highly praised.
"Mary Allison was wonderful in her teaching role. I wanted to hear every bit of what Mary Allison had to say."
"I loved all the knowledge and statistics Mary Allison gave. It explained the impact of the severity of childhood experiences."
"The instructor, Mary Allison, is incredibly knowledgeable and presents the material with passion and clarity."
"Her teaching style made complex topics easy to understand and digest."
"Mary Allison's compassion shines through, which is vital for this sensitive subject."
Some learners desire more advanced information.
"While great for beginners, I wish it went into more advanced topics or interventions."
"Could use more in-depth coverage on complex topics or optimization techniques"
"I was hoping for more resources for further reading or study after the course."
"It's a fantastic overview, but felt a bit too brief in certain areas."
"For professionals already familiar with basics, it might feel introductory."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Understanding The Impact of Trauma in Early Childhood with these activities:
Review Child Development Basics
Reinforce foundational knowledge of child development to better understand the impact of trauma on typical developmental trajectories.
Show steps
  • Review key developmental milestones for different age groups.
  • Identify typical cognitive, social, and emotional development.
  • Consider how trauma can disrupt these developmental processes.
Read 'Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness'
Explore the use of mindfulness techniques in a trauma-informed context.
View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness'.
  • Read the book, focusing on the principles of trauma-sensitive mindfulness.
  • Reflect on how these principles can be applied in early childhood settings.
Read 'The Body Keeps the Score'
Deepen understanding of the neurobiological effects of trauma and explore potential healing modalities.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Body Keeps the Score'.
  • Read the book, focusing on sections related to brain development and trauma's impact.
  • Reflect on how the book's insights relate to the course content.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Participate in a Study Group
Collaborate with peers to discuss course concepts, share insights, and reinforce understanding of trauma's impact.
Show steps
  • Connect with other students in the course.
  • Schedule regular study group meetings.
  • Discuss course materials, share notes, and ask questions.
  • Review quiz questions and answers together.
Create a Trauma-Informed Care Guide
Synthesize course knowledge and create a practical guide for implementing trauma-informed practices in early childhood settings.
Show steps
  • Research trauma-informed care principles and best practices.
  • Outline the key components of a trauma-informed care guide.
  • Write the guide, including definitions, statistics, and practical strategies.
  • Share the guide with colleagues or peers for feedback.
Volunteer at a Child Advocacy Center
Gain practical experience working with children who have experienced trauma and apply course knowledge in a real-world setting.
Show steps
  • Research local child advocacy centers or organizations serving children who have experienced trauma.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Complete the volunteer application and any required training.
  • Volunteer your time and skills to support the organization's mission.
Write a Blog Post on Neuroplasticity
Research and explain the concept of neuroplasticity and its implications for healing from trauma.
Show steps
  • Research neuroplasticity and its role in brain recovery.
  • Outline the key points to include in the blog post.
  • Write the blog post, using clear and accessible language.
  • Share the blog post on social media or a personal website.

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding The Impact of Trauma in Early Childhood will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Mental Health Counselor
Mental Health Counselors provide counseling and support to individuals struggling with emotional and psychological issues. Understanding the impact of trauma, as covered in this course, is crucial for a Mental Health Counselor as you work with clients who have experienced adverse events. This course helps you define trauma and understand its biological effects on the brain. The sections on toxic stress and neuroplasticity may be particularly relevant in your practice, as you help clients navigate the challenges and promote healing. A Mental Health Counselor will want to learn how to apply a trauma informed approach to counseling.
Behavioral Therapist
Behavioral Therapists assess, plan, and implement therapeutic interventions for individuals with behavioral and emotional issues. This course helps you understand how that trauma biologically impacts brain development and how that can lead to negative health and social outcomes. A Behavioral Therapist can expect to work with patients who may have experienced traumatic events and the material covered in this course can help to develop the skills needed to adopt a perspective of compassion. Especially useful is this course's description of how early childhood trauma impacts a patient.
Victim Advocate
Victim Advocates offer support and resources to individuals who have experienced crime or trauma. A Victim Advocate would benefit from understanding the impact of trauma on victims' physical and mental health. This course helps you define trauma, understand its biological effects, and adopt a compassionate perspective. The knowledge gained from this course can inform your approach to providing support and advocacy. The bonus lecture and “good news” section helps ground one in the hopeful possibilities after a traumatic event.
Social Worker
Social Workers often work with individuals and families who have experienced trauma. Understanding the impact of trauma on brain development, as covered in this course, is critical for a Social Worker. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the prevalence of trauma, and it can enhance your ability to provide effective interventions. This course emphasizes the biological impacts of trauma, and it may be particularly helpful as you work with vulnerable populations who have had adverse experiences. This course also helps you understand how trauma presents in early childhood and what can be done to make practical improvements.
Foster Care Specialist
Foster Care Specialists work with children in the foster care system, many of whom have experienced trauma. A Foster Care Specialist must be well-versed in the impact of trauma on children's development, behavior, and well-being. This course helps you understand toxic stress and trauma, and it may be particularly helpful for you. This course also makes it possible to develop the skills needed to adopt a perspective of compassion. By understanding the prevalence of trauma, the biological impacts of trauma, and the message of hope from the bonus lecture, this course helps a future Foster Care Specialist.
Early Childhood Educator
Early Childhood Educators play a crucial role in shaping young children's development. As an Early Childhood Educator, understanding the impact of trauma is essential for creating a safe and supportive learning environment. Since this course covers the definition of trauma and its biological effects on brain development, it helps build a foundation for recognizing and responding to children who may have experienced traumatic events. This course's statistics and information provide a deeper understanding of the prevalence of trauma, which can inform your teaching strategies. The course’s focus on relationships, imagination, play, and learning can guide you in fostering resilience and promoting positive outcomes for children.
Developmental Psychologist
Developmental Psychologists study how people grow and change throughout their lives. This role typically requires an advanced degree. As a Developmental Psychologist, understanding the impact of early childhood trauma is essential for understanding normal and abnormal development. This course helps you learn the definition of trauma and its developmental implications. This course's emphasis on the biological effects of trauma on the brain may be particularly valuable, as it is important to understand how toxic stress impacts the brain. You will be better equipped for this role if you learn to identify the basic brain structures involved in the biological response to trauma.
Child Life Specialist
A Child Life Specialist focuses on helping children and their families cope with the stress and uncertainty of illness, injury, and treatment. This role understands that a significant percentage of children experience traumatic events, and this course helps you understand how trauma biologically impacts brain development. For a future Child Life Specialist, the course’s explanation of how toxic stress affects the brain and how early childhood trauma impacts development can be particularly insightful. Learning how trauma manifests can influence your ability to provide appropriate and compassionate support to young patients and their families. This course's exploration of trauma prevalence and its impact on relationships, play, learning, and cognition helps build a foundation for understanding the challenges children face.
Family Therapist
Family Therapists offer therapeutic services to families experiencing various challenges, including those impacted by trauma. The insights from this course can inform how a Family Therapist approaches family dynamics and intervention strategies. This course helps you understand the impact of trauma on relationships and family functioning. Understanding how trauma impacts brain development, as discussed in the course, may be especially valuable when working with families dealing with the aftermath of traumatic events. This course helps you adopt a perspective of compassion as you guide families toward healing and resilience.
Guidance Counselor
Guidance Counselors support students' academic, social, and emotional development. A Guidance Counselor would benefit from understanding the impact of trauma on early childhood, as children may experience various forms of trauma that affect their ability to learn and thrive in school. This course helps you define trauma, understand its impact on learning and cognition, and adopt a compassionate perspective. The course's modules on brain development and trauma's impact on relationships and play provide valuable insights for supporting students who have experienced adverse events. Learning about neuroplasticity can be especially encouraging for a Guidance Counselor as you help children overcome the effects of trauma.
Pediatric Nurse
Pediatric Nurses provide medical care and support to children and their families. A Pediatric Nurse could benefit from understanding the impact of trauma on children's health and well-being. The course's discussion of how trauma biologically impacts brain development can inform a Pediatric Nurse's care approach. Learning about the prevalence of trauma and its effects on various aspects of a child's functioning can help you provide more sensitive and effective care. The course's focus on neuroplasticity offers hope and guidance in supporting children's recovery and resilience.
School Psychologist
School Psychologists work to support students’ mental health and academic success. This course may be useful in building your understanding of how traumatic experiences can impact a student's brain development, behavior, and ability to learn. The course helps you define trauma and recognize signs in the classroom. This course's insights into brain structures involved in trauma response can inform strategies for supporting students affected by trauma. Learning about the rates of trauma helps ground beliefs regarding the prevalence and importance of understanding these issues.
Residential Counselor
Residential Counselors provide support and guidance to individuals living in group homes or residential treatment centers. Often, the people served by Residential Counselors have experienced trauma. The information covered in this course may be useful for Residential Counselors working with children or adolescents who have experienced trauma. This course helps you learn about the biological impacts of trauma, and it may be particularly helpful as you work with vulnerable populations who have had adverse experiences. You can especially benefit from understanding the prevalence of trauma and its impact on relationships and functioning.
Special Education Teacher
Special Education Teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning and developmental differences. Since many students in special education have experienced trauma, understanding its impact is crucial for a Special Education Teacher. This course helps you define trauma and understand its effects on brain development and learning. Additionally, this course may be useful in helping you create a support classroom environment. Since this course addresses imagination and play in regard to childhood development, a Special Education Teacher will find this information very useful.
Probation Officer
Probation Officers supervise individuals who have been convicted of crimes, and work to rehabilitate offenders. This course may be useful by helping you understand the role trauma can play in shaping people's lives. A Probation Officer must understand how trauma biologically impacts brain development and how that can lead to negative health and social outcomes. The course could help you be more effective in your work and can help you develop the skills you need to adopt a perspective of compassion. The course emphasizes the biological impacts of trauma, and it may be particularly helpful as you work with vulnerable populations who have had adverse experiences.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Understanding The Impact of Trauma in Early Childhood .
Comprehensive exploration of the impact of trauma on the brain and body, offering insights into innovative treatments. It delves into the neurobiological effects of trauma, which aligns directly with the course's focus on brain development and the biological response to trauma. It provides a deeper understanding of the mechanisms discussed in the course and offers practical approaches to healing. This book is widely regarded as a seminal work in the field.
Explores the intersection of mindfulness and trauma. It provides guidance on adapting mindfulness practices to be safe and effective for individuals with trauma histories. It is useful for understanding how to integrate mindfulness into trauma-informed care. It provides practical strategies for avoiding retraumatization.

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