NAMI Ask the Expert: Lessons on the Impact of Trauma OD038

An on-demand video and transcript of the presentation are available here [opens in new tab].

About The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. They are an alliance of more than 650 local Affiliates and 49 State organizations who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education to people with mental illness and their loved ones. Through awareness, advocacy and education, NAMI is committed to building stronger communities and a better future for everyone affected by mental illness.

Course Summary

Practice Level: Intermediate

This course, based on the Ask the Expert webinar series by NAMI, reviews the impact of psychological trauma across the lifespan, emphasizing how trauma exposure shapes mental health, behavior, and functioning. Using an evidence-informed framework, the presenters define trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), describe common trauma responses, and explain key neurobiological processes implicated in traumatic stress. The course also addresses secondary traumatic stress and vicarious trauma among helpers, and it introduces trauma-informed principles that support engagement, reduce retraumatization risk, and strengthen recovery-oriented care. Content is designed to help clinicians apply practical, person-centered strategies when screening for trauma exposure, responding to disclosures, and connecting individuals to appropriate levels of support.

The course, with an intended audience of social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and counselors, then supports clinical practice by translating trauma science and trauma-informed principles into actionable strategies for assessment, engagement, psychoeducation, referral planning, and provider self-care across behavioral health settings.

Course Format

This course contains a participant guide, practice test, and on-demand video. When you’re ready, purchase the course by clicking the “Add To Cart” or “Enroll” button. This will let you take the test, complete the course evaluation and receive your certificate for CE credits.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify common psychological and behavioral responses associated with trauma exposure and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
2. Describe core neurobiological pathways implicated in traumatic stress responses and emotion regulation.
3. Select trauma-informed communication and referral strategies that reduce retraumatization risk in a clinical scenario.

Course Syllabus

• Defining Trauma and ACEs: Prevalence and Clinical Presentation
• Neurobiology of Traumatic Stress: Threat, Memory, and Regulation
• Secondary Traumatic Stress, Vicarious Trauma, and Provider Resilience
• Trauma-Informed Care Strategies: Engagement, Safety, and Linkage to Supports

Current References

Angus, G., Russell, H., Singleton, S., Bell, C. G., & Hales, T. G. (2026). The impact of adverse childhood experiences on DNA methylation age: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Epigenetics, 18, Article 33.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13148-025-02047-z[opens in new tab]

Brown, B. (2013, December 10). Brené Brown on empathy [Video]. The RSA.https://www.thersa.org/videos/brene-brown-on-empathy/[opens in new tab]

Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V., Koss, M. P., & Marks, J. S. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245–258. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0749-3797(98)00017-8[opens in new tab]

International Association of Chiefs of Police, & Yale Child Study Center. (2012). Enhancing police responses to children exposed to violence: A toolkit for law enforcement.https://www.traumainformedny.org/wp-content/uploads/Enhancing-Police-Response-to-Children-Exposed-to-Violence-Toolkit.pdf[opens in new tab]

Kitchener, B. A., & Jorm, A. F. (2002). Mental health first aid training for the public: Evaluation of effects on knowledge, attitudes and helping behavior. BMC Psychiatry, 2, Article 10. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-2-10[opens in new tab]

Kundurthi, V., Reddy, S. K., Jagannathan, A., Parthasarathy, N. B., & Ponnuchamy, L. (2025). Effectiveness of peer support group interventions for persons with mental illness: A systematic review. Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40737-025-00486-8[opens in new tab]

Lassen, E. R., Birkeland, M. S., Egeland, K. M., Stene, L. E., Brodersen, D., Ekornås, B., Reinholdt, N. P., Kjerstad, E., Lamu, A. N., Aarons, G. A., Crable, E. L., Bragesjö, M., & Bækkelund, H. (2026). Early Support after Exposure to Trauma (EASE): Protocol for a hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial of an internet-based intervention for PTSD prevention. Trials. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-026-09502-z[opens in new tab]

Mendelson, T., Clary, L. K., Musci, R. J., Sheridan, S., Webb, L., Sibinga, E., Mmari, K., Welna, A., & Ialongo, N. (2025). Positive impacts of a universal trauma-informed intervention on student mental health: The Project POWER trial. Journal of School Psychology, 112, 101469. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsp.2025.101469[opens in new tab]

Myers, A. L., Collins-Pisano, C., Ferron, J. C., & Fortuna, K. L. (2021). Feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a peer-developed and virtually delivered community mental health training program (Emotional CPR): Pre-post study. Journal of Participatory Medicine, 13(1), e25867.https://doi.org/10.2196/25867[opens in new tab]

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). SAMHSA’s concept of trauma and guidance for a trauma-informed approach (HHS Publication No. SMA 14-4884). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://coresonline.org/sites/default/files/documents/samhsas_concept_of_trauma_and_guidance_for_a_trauma-informed_approach.pdf[opens in new tab]  

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2026, February 8). Trauma-informed approaches and programs. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/trauma-violence/trauma-informed-approaches-programs[opens in new tab]  

U.S. Congress. (2020). National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–172). https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/PLAW-116publ172[opens in new tab]  

Wang, X.-C., & Huang, Z.-P. (2025). Adverse childhood experiences and subsequent impact on adulthood cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 16, 1751619. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1751619[opens in new tab]

Instructors

Becky Haas

Becky Haas is an international advocate and trainer on using a trauma informed approach, the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study and Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) study. She is a pioneer in creating trauma informed communities. The work she led while working for the Johnson City Police Department in Northeast Tennessee was recognized by SAMHSA in 2018 as a model for other cities to follow. In 2019 she co-authored the “Building a Trauma Informed System of Care” toolkit for the TN Department of Children’s services detailing a blueprint for creating community resilience. This toolkit has been recommended as a “practical tool” in Johns Hopkins, Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action. Becky is the author of several sector specific professional development trainings with two receiving statewide accreditation in Tennessee as evidence-based training.

Dr. Brian Sims
Dr. Sims is a Psychiatrist, working in the behavioral health field for nearly 4 decades. He has worked with diverse populations, including individuals, groups; Military; School Settings; Corrections; Inpatient and outpatient hospital settings; BIPOC, Tribal Nations and LGBTQ, all promoting trauma informed system transformation, healing and recovery. He is passionate about the delivery of culturally responsive practices to all he encounters, including training, teaching and direct care to individuals and groups both nationally and internationally. His work in health equity and disparities, with emphasis on marginalized communities and communities of color have been his focus of attention for the past 15 years, in his present role of Senior Medical Advisor with NASMHPD. His emphasis centers on Connection, Collaboration with subsequent Empowerment.

Dr. Laklieshia Izzard

Dr. Laklieshia Izzard is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia and New Jersey, Georgia Certified School Counselor, a National Certified Counselor, an Approved Clinical Supervisor, and a Tri-Care Mental Health Counselor. Dr. Izzard is the owner of Shekinah Counseling a virtual private practice with 17 years of community mental health counseling experience with diverse populations. Dr. Izzard practice services include counseling, clinical supervision, mentoring, and training. Dr. Izzard was appointed by the Newton County Board of Commissioners to serve as representative on the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council. Dr. Izzard serves on the board of directors for National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Georgia, and is a founding member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Dr. Izzard is a founding member and has served as President from 2019-2020 for the American Counseling Association of Georgia.

Oryx Cohen

Oryx Cohen, M.P.A., is a leader in the international mental health consumer/survivor/ex-patient (c/s/x) or mad pride movement. Currently Oryx is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Empowerment Center (NEC). In addition to organizing the national Alternatives Conference every three years and other responsibilities, he assists states that have an underdeveloped consumer/survivor voice to find that voice and then work toward transforming the mental health systems in those states to become peer-driven and recovery-oriented. Prior to joining NEC, Oryx was Co-Director of the Western Massachusetts Recovery Learning Community. He helped to spearhead an innovative peer-run approach focusing on recovery, healing, and community. Oryx is also the co-founder of Freedom Center, the Pioneer Valley’s only independent peer-run support/activist organization.

Nicole Errickson, LCSW

Nicole is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Georgia. She brings over 19 years experience in the social work field, primarily working in school systems as a school social worker and with the McKinney-Vento grant. Over her career, Nicole has had several opportunities to help develop and execute professional development events. Nicole has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Alabama and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Alabama.

Accreditation Approval Statements

CE4Less.com is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CE4Less.com maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

CE4Less.com, provider #1115, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/08/2024–08/08/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1 clinical continuing education credits.

Level Education Group, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0835.

Level Education Group, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0355.

We are committed to providing our learners with unbiased information. CE4Less never accepts commercial support and our authors have no significant financial or other conflicts of interest pertaining to the material.