We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Finally Detached Publishing
and
Yee Lin Holker
Unlock the hidden forces shaping your team’s performance and morale with Trauma-Informed Leadership Level One. This foundational course is designed for managers, HR professionals, and visionary leaders ready to lead with clarity, emotional intelligence, and impact.
Led by board-registered psychologist Yee Lin, this course blends psychology, leadership strategy, and nervous system regulation to help you understand how trauma—both past and present—manifests in workplace behavior, communication, and performance.
Read more
Unlock the hidden forces shaping your team’s performance and morale with Trauma-Informed Leadership Level One. This foundational course is designed for managers, HR professionals, and visionary leaders ready to lead with clarity, emotional intelligence, and impact.
Led by board-registered psychologist Yee Lin, this course blends psychology, leadership strategy, and nervous system regulation to help you understand how trauma—both past and present—manifests in workplace behavior, communication, and performance.
Read more
Unlock the hidden forces shaping your team’s performance and morale with Trauma-Informed Leadership Level One. This foundational course is designed for managers, HR professionals, and visionary leaders ready to lead with clarity, emotional intelligence, and impact.
Led by board-registered psychologist Yee Lin, this course blends psychology, leadership strategy, and nervous system regulation to help you understand how trauma—both past and present—manifests in workplace behavior, communication, and performance.
In this 8-module program, you’ll learn to identify trauma responses in your team, regulate your own leadership presence, and create psychologically safe environments where people feel seen, supported, and motivated to perform. You’ll receive practical frameworks for emotionally intelligent communication, trauma-informed performance reviews, and conflict de-escalation—all designed to help you lead more effectively without burning out or triggering shutdowns in your team.
By the end of Level One, you won’t just understand trauma—you’ll recognize its patterns, respond with confidence, and lead with a renewed sense of purpose. This course is the first step in a transformative 3-level journey that ends with certification as a Trauma-Informed Leadership Facilitator.
If you're ready to stop managing and start leading with presence, precision, and purpose, this is where it begins.
AI software has been used to correct eye contact in certain sections of this course.
This is accredited and you will receive a certificate upon completion.
This course contains promotional materials.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/5i81on/trauma
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Understand how trauma impacts communication, behavior, and performance in individuals and teams.
- Learn to regulate your nervous system to lead with clarity, emotional stability, and presence.
- Build psychologically safe environments that foster trust, creativity, and accountability.
- Apply trauma-informed strategies to feedback, conflict resolution, and performance management.
- Identify common trauma responses in the workplace and respond with empathy and leadership skill.
- Develop emotionally intelligent communication tools to navigate high-stakes conversations.
- Recognize signs of burnout, stress, and dysregulation in yourself and others before they escalate.
- Lay the foundation for advanced trauma-informed facilitation in levels two and three.
- Understand how trauma impacts communication, behavior, and performance in individuals and teams.
- Learn to regulate your nervous system to lead with clarity, emotional stability, and presence.
- Build psychologically safe environments that foster trust, creativity, and accountability.
- Apply trauma-informed strategies to feedback, conflict resolution, and performance management.
- Identify common trauma responses in the workplace and respond with empathy and leadership skill.
- Develop emotionally intelligent communication tools to navigate high-stakes conversations.
- Recognize signs of burnout, stress, and dysregulation in yourself and others before they escalate.
- Lay the foundation for advanced trauma-informed facilitation in levels two and three.
Syllabus
Introduction
Compassionate Response Techniques (Language, Tone, Open-Ended Questions)
Trauma Informed Leadership Level One
Chapter 1: The Psychology of Trauma in the Workplace
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction
Compassionate Response Techniques (Language, Tone, Open-Ended Questions)
Trauma Informed Leadership Level One
Chapter 1: The Psychology of Trauma in the Workplace
Read more
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Activities
Coming soon
We're preparing activities for
Trauma-Informed Leadership & Communication [Level One].
These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.
Career center
Learners who complete Trauma-Informed Leadership & Communication [Level One] will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Manager
The Human Resources Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping an organization's most valuable asset: its people. This role involves recruiting, training, employee relations, performance management, and fostering a positive workplace culture. The Trauma Informed Leadership & Communication course directly equips aspiring Human Resources Managers with an understanding of how trauma impacts workplace behavior and communication, enabling them to create psychologically safe environments as outlined in the module on Building Psychological Safety. By learning emotionally intelligent communication tools and trauma-informed strategies for performance reviews and conflict de-escalation, individuals can navigate complex employee situations with empathy and precision, promoting trust and accountability across teams. This foundational knowledge helps future Human Resources Managers lead effectively and avoid triggering shutdowns in their team members, which is crucial for overall organizational health.
Manager of People and Culture
Manager of People and Culture
A Manager of People and Culture is dedicated to shaping an organization's core values, employee experience, and overall workplace environment. This role extends beyond traditional HR, focusing on fostering a thriving culture where employees feel engaged, supported, and psychologically safe. The Trauma Informed Leadership & Communication course is exceptionally relevant for future Managers of People and Culture, providing key insights into how trauma may manifest in workplace behavior and performance. Learning to identify trauma responses in teams and to build psychologically safe environments, which is a core module, empowers managers to create spaces where people feel seen, supported, pleased, and motivated. The course's emphasis on emotionally intelligent communication and compassionate leadership helps in crafting policies and interactions that truly reflect a caring and inclusive culture, mitigating burnout and promoting well-being. A master's degree or significant experience is often preferred.
Organizational Development Specialist
Organizational Development Specialist
An Organizational Development Specialist focuses on improving an organization's effectiveness and the well-being of its employees through strategic interventions. This role tackles culture change, leadership development, and process improvements to ensure alignment with company goals. The Trauma Informed Leadership & Communication course is highly relevant for future Organizational Development Specialists, offering foundational insights into how trauma affects team performance and morale. With modules on Building Psychological Safety and Trauma-Informed Communication Skills, this course helps in designing initiatives that foster trust, creativity, and accountability. Learning to recognize dysregulation in teams and apply compassionate response techniques allows specialists to guide organizations toward environments where everyone feels seen and supported, leading with clarity and purpose in their change efforts. A master's degree is often preferred for this role.
Leadership Development Consultant
Leadership Development Consultant
A Leadership Development Consultant guides individuals and organizations in cultivating effective leadership capabilities. This role involves designing and delivering programs that enhance leaders' skills in communication, decision-making, and team management, empowering them to inspire and drive positive change. The Trauma Informed Leadership & Communication course provides invaluable depth for aspiring Leadership Development Consultants by focusing on how to lead with clarity, emotional intelligence, and impact. The curriculum, including Emotional Regulation & The Nervous System of a Leader and Trauma-Informed Communication Skills, helps consultants teach leaders to regulate their presence and manage triggers during conversations. This preparation allows consultants to equip leaders with the ability to build psychologically safe environments, promoting trust and accountability while developing emotionally intelligent communication tools for high-stakes interactions, ultimately fostering a more resilient and effective leadership cohort. A master's degree is often preferred.
Employee Engagement Leader
Employee Engagement Leader
An Employee Engagement Leader designs and implements strategies to foster a positive, motivating, and productive work environment where employees feel connected to their organization's mission and values. This role focuses on improving morale, retention, and overall job satisfaction. The Trauma Informed Leadership & Communication course is highly relevant for individuals pursuing a career as an Employee Engagement Leader. The course provides powerful frameworks for building psychologically safe environments, a cornerstone of high engagement. By understanding how trauma impacts communication and performance, and learning to identify trauma responses in the workplace, engagement leaders can develop initiatives that genuinely support employee well-being and foster trust. The emphasis on emotionally intelligent communication and compassionate leadership helps in crafting strategies that make employees feel seen, supported, and motivated, leading to a more vibrant and committed workforce. A master's degree or significant experience is often preferred.
Corporate Trainer
Corporate Trainer
A Corporate Trainer designs and delivers educational programs to enhance employee skills, performance, and professional development within an organization. This role often involves facilitating workshops on leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence to improve team dynamics and productivity. The Trauma Informed Leadership & Communication course provides a strong foundation for someone interested in becoming a Corporate Trainer, especially given its path to certification as a Trauma-Informed Leadership Facilitator. The course’s practical frameworks for emotionally intelligent communication and conflict de-escalation, alongside modules on Building Psychological Safety and Recognizing Dysregulation in Teams, directly equip trainers to educate leaders on fostering supportive workplace environments. Learning to regulate one's leadership presence and apply compassionate response techniques allows trainers to model effective communication and guide others in understanding and responding to workplace challenges with empathy and skill.
Executive Coach
Executive Coach
An Executive Coach partners with senior leaders to enhance their performance, leadership capabilities, and strategic thinking. This involves providing personalized guidance on communication, emotional intelligence, team management, and overall professional presence. The Trauma Informed Leadership & Communication course is incredibly relevant for aspiring Executive Coaches, as it directly addresses how to lead with clarity, emotional intelligence, and impact. The course's focus on emotional regulation and the nervous system of a leader helps coaches guide executives in cultivating a resilient leadership presence and managing their own stress responses. By equipping coaches with trauma-informed communication skills and frameworks for building psychological safety, they can empower their clients to create more supportive and high-performing teams, adeptly handling high-stakes conversations and fostering environments where people feel supported and motivated. A master's degree or professional certifications are often expected for this role.
Learning and Development Manager
Learning and Development Manager
A Learning and Development Manager designs, implements, and oversees training programs that enhance employee skills, foster professional growth, and support organizational objectives. This role ensures that employees have the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed and advance. The Trauma Informed Leadership & Communication course can significantly benefit future Learning and Development Managers by equipping them with a deep understanding of leadership strategy and emotionally intelligent communication. The course's modules on Building Psychological Safety and Trauma-Informed Performance Management provide practical frameworks for developing training content that promotes trust, accountability, and effective feedback mechanisms. By incorporating principles of nervous system regulation and recognizing dysregulation in teams, managers can design learning experiences that are not only informative but also foster a supportive and resilient workforce, ultimately aiding in skill acquisition and well-being. A master's degree is often preferred.
Employee Relations Specialist
Employee Relations Specialist
The Employee Relations Specialist is crucial for maintaining a harmonious and productive work environment by addressing issues such as workplace conflicts, grievances, and disciplinary actions. This role involves mediating disputes, ensuring fair treatment, and fostering positive communication between employees and management. For individuals aspiring to be an Employee Relations Specialist, the Trauma Informed Leadership & Communication course offers direct, practical frameworks for conflict de-escalation and compassionate response techniques. Understanding trauma responses and developing emotionally intelligent communication tools, as taught in the course, enables specialists to navigate sensitive situations with empathy and precision. By applying trauma-informed strategies to feedback and conflict resolution, one can effectively repair communication ruptures and manage triggers during conversations, building a foundation of trust and safety that is essential for resolving workplace challenges without causing further dysregulation.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist
A Diversity Equity and Inclusion Specialist is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace culture where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered. This role involves developing strategies, programs, and policies that promote diversity and address systemic barriers. The Trauma Informed Leadership & Communication course offers profound insights for future Diversity Equity and Inclusion Specialists, particularly through its focus on creating psychologically safe environments and understanding how diverse experiences can impact communication and behavior. By learning to identify trauma responses and apply compassionate response techniques, specialists can better address the nuanced needs of various groups within the workplace. The principles of trauma-informed communication, emphasizing safety, trust, and empowerment, are instrumental in designing initiatives that genuinely foster belonging and prevent marginalization, ensuring every voice is heard and acknowledged. A master's degree is often preferred.
Mediator
Mediator
A Mediator facilitates communication and negotiation between disputing parties to help them reach mutually acceptable resolutions. This role requires exceptional active listening skills, impartiality, and the ability to de-escalate tension in high-conflict situations. The Trauma Informed Leadership & Communication course is highly valuable for aspiring Mediators, providing practical frameworks for conflict de-escalation and compassionate response techniques. Learning to understand and manage triggers, recognize trauma responses such as fight, flight, freeze, or fawn, and apply active listening skills during conversations are central to effective mediation. The course's emphasis on repairing communication ruptures and validating emotions helps Mediators create safe communication spaces where parties can feel heard and empowered, leading to more constructive and lasting resolutions without further triggering or emotional shutdown. Specific mediation certifications are commonly pursued.
Change Management Consultant
Change Management Consultant
A Change Management Consultant helps organizations navigate significant transitions, such as mergers, technology implementations, or cultural shifts, by ensuring smooth adoption and minimizing disruption. This role involves guiding stakeholders, managing resistance, and communicating changes effectively. The Trauma Informed Leadership & Communication course can be helpful for aspiring Change Management Consultants, providing an understanding of how stress and change can elicit trauma responses in individuals and teams. The course's insights into building psychologically safe environments and applying emotionally intelligent communication tools are highly applicable when communicating sensitive changes. Learning to recognize signs of dysregulation and managing triggers during conversations, as covered in the syllabus, helps consultants facilitate transitions with greater empathy and precision, fostering trust and reducing anxiety among employees during periods of significant organizational transformation. A master's degree is often preferred for this role.
Workplace Wellness Coordinator
Workplace Wellness Coordinator
A Workplace Wellness Coordinator champions employee well-being by developing and implementing programs that promote physical and mental health. This role focuses on creating a supportive work environment, reducing stress, and fostering a culture of care and resilience. The Trauma Informed Leadership & Communication course offers a clear advantage for aspiring Workplace Wellness Coordinators, as it directly addresses recognizing signs of burnout, stress, and dysregulation in oneself and others before they escalate. The course's focus on building psychologically safe environments and regulating one's own nervous system provides practical tools for promoting emotional stability. By understanding how trauma impacts communication and performance, coordinators can advocate for and implement initiatives that proactively support employee mental health and create a culture where individuals feel seen, supported, and motivated to thrive, enhancing overall organizational well-being.
Team Lead
Team Lead
A Team Lead guides and motivates a group of individuals to achieve specific goals, often acting as a bridge between team members and upper management. This role requires strong communication, problem-solving, and the ability to foster a cohesive and productive team environment. The Trauma Informed Leadership & Communication course can be helpful for aspiring Team Leads. The course's emphasis on emotionally intelligent communication tools, building psychological safety, and recognizing dysregulation in teams directly applies to daily team supervision. By learning to regulate their leadership presence and apply compassionate response techniques, Team Leads may effectively manage conflict and deliver trauma-informed feedback. This course helps in creating a supportive atmosphere where team members feel heard and understood, leading with presence and purpose to enhance team morale and collective performance.
Project Manager
Project Manager
A Project Manager leads and oversees projects from initiation to completion, ensuring they meet objectives, deadlines, and budget constraints. This demanding role requires strong organizational skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to effectively communicate and lead diverse teams. The Trauma Informed Leadership & Communication course may be useful for aspiring Project Managers. Successfully leading projects often involves navigating high-stakes conversations, resolving team conflicts, and managing stress within the team, all of which are covered in the course through modules on emotionally intelligent communication and conflict de-escalation. Learning to build psychologically safe environments and recognize dysregulation in teams allows Project Managers to foster trust and accountability, leading with greater empathy and precision to keep teams motivated and performing optimally under pressure, ultimately enhancing project success rates. A Master of Business Administration or Project Management Professional certification is common.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5i81on/trauma
Reading list
We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
Aims to teach readers how to identify and manage their emotions, as well as understand and influence the emotions of others, in order to improve communication, decision-making, and overall well-being.
Save
Emphasizes the importance of EI in workplace success. It explores the key components of EI, such as self-awareness, empathy, and social skills, and provides practical advice for developing these skills in the professional context.
Save
Emphasizes the role of EI in leadership and organizational success. It provides insights into how emotionally intelligent leaders can create more productive and innovative work environments.
Save
Delves into the neuroscience behind EI, exploring how emotions are processed and regulated in the brain. It offers mindfulness-based techniques to help readers cultivate self-awareness and emotional regulation skills.
Provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of EI, covering its key concepts, benefits, and practical applications. It offers simple strategies and exercises for developing EI skills in both personal and professional settings.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to EI, exploring its importance in various aspects of life, including relationships, work, and overall well-being. It offers practical strategies for developing and enhancing EI skills.
Save
Focuses on the importance of emotional agility, which involves the ability to understand and manage one's emotions effectively. It provides tools and exercises to help readers develop this skill and navigate difficult situations with resilience.
Save
Provides a practical and research-based approach to developing EI in all areas of life, including relationships, parenting, and personal growth. It offers exercises and strategies for managing emotions, building strong relationships, and living a more fulfilling life.
Focuses on the role of EI in effective communication, particularly in challenging or confrontational situations. It provides practical strategies for managing emotions, listening actively, and resolving conflicts constructively.
Focuses on the importance of EI in leadership. It provides research-backed insights and practical strategies for developing emotional intelligence as a leader and leveraging it to create high-performing teams and achieve organizational success.
Offers a comprehensive and scholarly approach to EI, covering its theoretical foundations, measurement, and applications in various domains, including education, healthcare, and business.
Save
This Italian translation of Daniel Goleman's seminal work on EI provides an accessible and comprehensive overview of the topic for Italian-speaking readers.
Concise and practical guide to EI, focusing on assessment, skill development, and application. It offers quick and easy-to-implement strategies for improving self-awareness, empathy, and other key EI competencies.
Save
Provides a framework for understanding and overcoming resistance to change. It includes a chapter on the importance of psychological safety in creating a change-friendly environment.
Discusses the dilemma that large, successful companies often face when they are faced with disruptive innovation. It includes a chapter on the importance of psychological safety in creating a company culture that is open to new ideas and innovation.
Discusses the three essential virtues of an ideal team player: humility, hunger, and smarts. It includes a chapter on the importance of psychological safety in creating a team environment where these virtues can thrive.
Discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership and workplace success. It includes a chapter on the role of psychological safety in creating an emotionally intelligent workplace.
Save
Introduces the concepts of fixed and growth mindsets. A growth mindset is crucial for fostering a learning-oriented environment where individuals feel safe to take on challenges and learn from setbacks, which is closely linked to psychological safety.
Save
Examines the key elements that create successful cultures in various groups, with psychological safety being a significant component. It offers insights into building trust and fostering collaboration through compelling stories and research. It's a valuable resource for understanding the broader context in which psychological safety thrives.
Save
Discusses the importance of vulnerability and courage in leadership, and how these qualities can create a more psychologically safe workplace. Brown renowned researcher on vulnerability and shame, and her book provides practical advice on how to lead with courage and compassion.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5i81on/trauma
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser