This unit will provide students with an overview of trauma, how it manifests in the body, mind and behaviour with reference to neurobiopsychological research; understanding and assessing stress, acute and longer term reactions, including PTSD with reference to the DSM5; treatment principles and options with a focus on the Process Oriented approach to working with trauma and abuse, non-verbal somatic and experiential interventions. The unit presents contemporary trauma theories, psychological disorders that may develop in the aftermath of traumatic events. Students will develop knowledge and skills in working with the body and somatic awareness, the Metacommunicator, signal reading skills and the sensitive use of feedback to ensure that edges are negotiated with gentleness and awareness. The holistic understanding of the human being developed by students in the Specalist Training Program to date will be applied in analysing case studies and client presentations for trauma and abuse. An energetic and contextual understanding will be discussed in class and applied to study and assignments. Students’ own issues are usually a part of the experiential learning at Metavision. Issues of trauma and abuse can be easily triggered and so safety, self-awareness and self care will be emphasized. Students will be encouraged to develop inner awareness of their own vulnerabilities with the support of their own therapy, supervision and study buddies. It is vital in this work to safeguard both students and clients. Inner work and self-reflection continue to be an integral part of the unit.