Understanding The Origins of Our Trauma

What is Trauma and Why Does It Matter?

Trauma isn’t just a response to extreme events—it’s an internalized experience that can shape our beliefs, emotions, and behaviours over time. For frontline workers, caregivers, and family members, understanding our own trauma is essential to supporting others while maintaining personal well-being.

Why is it Important?

  • Clarifies what trauma is (& what it isn’t), cutting through common myths
  • Highlights how unresolved trauma affects day-to-day functioning
  • Explains the biology of trauma & its link to mental health
  • Encourages self-awareness and compassion in support roles
  • Supports the development of emotionally safe environments for children & families

Course Highlights:

  • Understanding Trauma
  • Trauma and the Brain
  • Cognitive Distortions
  • From Trauma to PTSD
  • Compassionate Practice
  • Coping and Resilience

This course is designed for

Frontline workers

Caregivers & family members

Educators

Professionals

“The Origins of Our Traumas” demonstrates how past trauma can affect frontline workers, family members, caregivers and the children that depend on our support.

Participants will:

  • Accurately define trauma and identify common misunderstandings
  • Understand how past trauma impacts your own mood, thought patterns, and behaviour
  • Recognize negative belief systems and how they relate to trauma history
  • Comprehend the biological and psychological mechanisms behind trauma and PTSD
  • Reflect on the social stigma surrounding trauma and its roots in conditioning
  • Apply effective coping techniques to support personal well-being and compassionate care

About The Presenter

Peter Scarlett

Peter Scarlett is a Registered Psychotherapist and Social Worker based in Toronto and Hamilton. He provides therapy to adolescents and adults, and offers clinical supervision to emerging professionals.

With a Master’s in Mental Health Counselling from Medaille University and over 25 years of experience, Peter specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, and workplace stress. He believes that unresolved past experiences shape present struggles, and that a strong therapeutic relationship is essential for healing.

Peter is certified with the CRPO, OCSWSSW, OAMHP, and CCPA.

MCCSS-Funded – Free Registration for the First 100 OAP Supervisors

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Whether you’re looking to better understand your own experiences or support others with compassion and clarity, this course equips you with the tools and insight to foster resilience, connection, and healing.

If you are not an OAP-funded provider, you are welcome to purchase the course

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