Complex Trauma

This program is designed for counsellors, therapists, psychologists, clinical social workers, mental-health professionals, and child and youth care workers. Practitioners who are working with children, adolescents and/or adult survivors of complex trauma will benefit.  

You will learn to take an integrative approach to the assessment and treatment of complex trauma, drawing on the most current clinical and evidence-based material on effective complex trauma intervention, as well as the most recent research on attachment, neurobiology, memory and dissociation. This program is situated within an understanding of culturally relevant practices and how multiple identities, social locations and historical contexts inform theory and practice.

You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the key theoretical and clinical approaches underlying best practices in the complex trauma field. An applied, experiential learning model means you will develop clinical skills in assessment, treatment planning, and clinical interventions that will enable you to work effectively with a wide range of clients from diverse social locations.

Click the link to hear instructor and complex trauma therapist, Maureen McEvoy, speak on 'The Education of a Trauma Therapist'.

How to Complete the Certificate

Receive the Associate Certificate in Complex Trauma by completing the following 5 courses totaling 10 credits: 

COUN 5200: Theoretical Foundation in Complex Trauma

COUN 5202: Complex Trauma: Assessment and Interventions

COUN 5208: Somatic Work with Complex Trauma

COUN 5212: Complex Trauma: Interventions and Skill Building

COUN 5220: Complex Trauma Integrated Project

This is a hybrid program. Two of the courses are online and three are face to face  at JIBC New Westminster campus. Attendance is required for all face-to-face courses. 

Theoretical Foundation in Complex Trauma COUN-5200 ; 10 Weeks online    
Assessment & Interventions in Complex Trauma COUN-5202;  4 days New Westminster
Somatic Work with Complex Trauma COUN-5208; 4 days New Westminster 
Complex Trauma: Interventions & Skill Building COUN-5212;  4 days New Westminster
Complex Trauma Integrated Project COUN-5220; 7 weeks Online 

Successful completion of all assignments and full attendance is required. The certificate can be completed in one year; learners have a maximum of four years to complete all required courses.

For upcoming course offerings by date, view our Course Calendar.

Tuition

The total cost to complete the Associate Certificate in Complex Trauma is approximately $4700.00

Learners are not required to pay for the program in one lump sum but rather pay for each course individually at the time of registration. 

For individual course fees please see course descriptions. Courses after April 1st are subject to a 2% tuition increase. A learner services fee will be applied per credit.

Program Applications will open in Spring 2026. 

Check back to this page for updates, or contact the program administration to be added to a contact list by emailing aeastman@jibc.ca. 

Most courses in this Associate Certificate are restricted to students enrolled in the program.  However, COUN-5208: Somatic Work with Complex Trauma can be taken with out applying for the program. If you decide to apply for the program after completing COUN-5208, the course will count towards program completion.

If your application was previously approved, please register for courses directly with Student Services at 604.528.5590 or register@jibc.ca. Online registration is currently open for COUN-5208: Somatic Work with Complex Trauma. Registration for the remaining courses in the program will open to successful applicants in the Fall 2026.

Please note, acceptance into the program does not guarantee your seat in a class.  We suggest registering at least one month before classes begin as seating is limited.

Admission Requirements information only 

A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a field related to complex trauma such as psychology, child and youth work, social work etc., or the equivalent combination of 3 to 5 years of education, training and work experience in the field of complex trauma.

Q: Can you take courses out of the recommended order?

A: COUN-5208: Somatic Work with Complex Trauma can be taken without applying for the program. For all other courses in the program, COUN-5200 must be taken first as it is a prerequisite. We highly recommend the remaining courses be taken in sequence.

Q. Do I need to currently be working as a counsellor to take the program?

A: you do not need to currently be working with clients to take the program. However, the program does include assignments where you will be asked to practice interventions with a client. If you do not have a client, or cannot receive appropriate approvals, you may practice with a classmate or volunteer to fulfill assignment criteria.

Q: what is a workload for the program?

A: In addition to scheduled face to face class time, students are expected to complete mandatory course readings and take home assignments. For the face-to-face courses students should anticipate approximately 3-6 hours of prereading, and approximately 4-8 hours to complete assignments per course.