Education and Training
Director of Education and Training:
Elena Cherepanov, Ph.D., C. Psych, LMHC, CTS.
Boston MA, USA
elena.cherepanov@cambridgecollege.edu
Introduction
The rapidly developing trauma field attracts those who wish to provide assistance to the victims of disasters, famines, violence, abuse and others. The best intentions and commitment to serve the most vulnerable populations victims are crucial qualities for trauma responders but this is not enough. The quality of provided services also depends much on the training received by trauma workers.
ATSS is committed to maintaining the highest quality services standards for the trauma survivors.
The Education and Training Committee offers endorsement to those training events, workshops and training programs which are in compliance with the requirements for ATSS trauma certification and meet the highest standards of professional ethics.
Within the field of trauma intervention there are many approaches and intervention techniques, some of which tend to stir very heated debates about their effectiveness and advantages/disadvantages. I think that overall this process of debate is very normal and reflects the dynamic nature of professional understanding and advancement in the mental health field. But they also raise important questions about what intervention models, as a certifying body, we are prepared to accept and endorse.
In order to formally endorse any particular training events, workshops and training programs the training and education committee/board (is this the right term) we will take account of factors such as professional debates, opinions and evaluation as well, of course, as factors such as the relevance of their aim/objectives, structure and content.
ATSS Training Format Requirements:
1. We seek to balance diversity of approach with quality assurance in developing training and certification standards.
2. Any offered approach or intervention technique(s) must be in compliance with local professional and ethical standards, as well as with professional requirements and liabilities. In order to establish that this is the case, the ATSS Education and Training Committee may request curricula and/or additional details to insure that necessary requirements are met. Assurances and evidence may be required to demonstrate that the use of any particular technique DOES NOT HARM the clients and is not causing any additional distress or hardship.
3. It is an expectation that the endorsed trainings events are not used to devalue other approaches, organizations or service providers. Mutual respect for the diversity of the approaches is appreciated.
The endorsement by the ATSS Education and Training Committee simply means that the structure and operational protocol of training event fulfils the requirements and principles for the Trauma Certification process. An ATSS endorsement does not mean ATSS approves or supports the particular model/approach. The development, practice and training of trauma interventions and approached remains subjct of personal and professional liability of the provider.
Types of ATSS Endorsements
- How to Become an ATSS Endorsed Speaker
- Trainings and Workshops
- Graduate Programs in Trauma Certification