Learn how trauma and attachment impact a child’s development. Whether you work in healthcare, education or community services, this course will empower you to respond with empathy and make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable families.
Certificate of Complex Trauma and Attachment is a professional development course that explores trauma-related behaviour, and the coping strategies children adopt to cope in response to overwhelming or traumatic environments.
In this complex trauma and attachment course, you’ll examine how trauma affects the stress response system and its impact on emotional regulation, memory, and impulse control. You’ll also learn about different attachment patterns and their impact on a child’s ability to trust, form relationships, and feel emotionally safe.
You will explore trauma-informed communication, co-regulation, and how to create supportive environments that promote recovery. You’ll learn to adapt interventions for individual needs, promote consistency across settings, engage families, build resilience, and prioritise child safety.
On completion of this course, you will have the skills to understand trauma behaviour and successfully engage with children and caregivers.
Course Structure
Certificate of Complex Trauma and Attachment
Unit 1: Understanding Childhood Trauma and Attachment
- Foundations of childhood trauma
- Types and origins of childhood trauma
- Neurodevelopmental impacts of trauma
- Brain development and the stress response
- Emotional regulation and trauma
- Behavioural impacts of trauma
- Introduction to attachment theory
- Secure and insecure attachment patterns
- Understanding avoidant attachment
- Understanding anxious attachment
- Understanding disorganised attachment
- Signs of trauma and attachment difficulties
Unit 2: Developmental Impacts of Trauma
- Developmental milestones and trauma
- Developmental delays
- Emotional dysregulation
- Regression
- Trauma, behaviour and unmet needs
- Neglected children
- Culture, family dynamics and community
Unit 3: Trauma-Informed Communication and Engagement
- Safe and supportive communication
- Communication with children
- Communication with families
- Trust and psychological safety
- Disassociation and other trauma responses
- Exploring personal histories safely
Unit 4: Supporting Recovery and Resilience in Children and Families
- Building resilience
- Connecting families with trauma support
- Trauma-informed team approach
- Interprofessional collaboration framework
- Designing routines and interventions
- Creating predictability and structure
- Embedding emotional safety
- Tailoring interventions to child’s needs
- Maintaining consistency across environments
- Reporting responsibilities and safeguarding
- National framework for protecting children
Study Hours
Estimated duration 20 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
Click to See What Our Students Say
Very happy with my course. I feel it was a real benefit to my career as a School Learning Support Officer in a support unit setting. I look forward to studying further.
S. Hadley, Forster, NSW | Certificate of Complex Trauma and Attachment Management
My experience has been great. I am lucky to have the time to pump into continuing to learn more about child trauma and complex needs -I can never take my head out of the book I enjoy learning this subject so much. Thank you!
J. Purcell, Tannum Sands, QLD | Certificate of Complex Trauma and Attachment Management
Excellent, the material was set out in a clear and concise manner and was easy to understand. The assessments were at a suitable level and the tutors were very supportive.
Alicia | Fremantle, WA | Certificate of Complex Trauma and Attachment Management
I personally find the information of my course was extremely helpful and the factors around kids trauma and attachment, is not just related to physically abuse but also emotional abuse.
R. Mackrae-Bathory, Pakenham, VIC | Certificate of Complex Trauma and Attachment Management
The course was easy to understand and very informative.
Rebekah | Park Ridge South, QLD | Certificate of Complex Trauma and Attachment Management
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development For:-
- Foster Carer Workers
- Community Support Officers
- Social Workers