In this two-day course, participants will learn trauma informed care and empowerment of the sexual assault survivor. This course was developed and is taught by Lauren Mansell, DPT, CLT, PRPC, CYT who worked in counseling and advocacy for sexual assault survivors prior to becoming a physical therapist. Lauren also brings her experience as a 2017 Fellow of the Chicago Trauma Collective to teach trauma informed care to medical providers.

Special considerations of trauma within pelvic, oncological and lymphedema patient populations will be explored. Additionally, the effects of trauma on the medical provider will be discussed and along with techniques to prevent compassion fatigue. This course includes Trauma Informed Yoga lab work and break out groups to facilitate learning. Upon completion of the course, the practitioners will be able to bring their increased awareness of trauma to holistic treatment of patients with pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, bowel dysfunction and/or bladder dysfunction.

Skills and content covered are to increase trauma awareness and the ability to provide appropriate medical care for trauma survivors. This course will NOT prepare a practitioner for any type of counseling or mental health services.