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.  

Taking 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 practice 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

The courses are a blend of online and face to face at JIBC New Westminster campus and 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 $4600.00

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.

Additional Fees

Non-Refundable Certificate Application Fee:  $75 

STEP 1 - Apply to the Program

Applications for the 2026 program will be open April 1, 2025 and you will be able to submit your online application to EducationPlannerBC. 
 

You will also need to submit to the Admissions office:
250-word letter of intent describing your interest in the program and previous related education, training and/or experience;

1. Resume.
2.  $75 non-refundable application fee is paid to EducationPlannerBC.  Applications will not be reviewed without fee payment.

You can reach the admissions office at admissions@jibc.ca or 604.528.5632.

Payment and supporting documents may also be submitted in-person, email or mail:

STEP 2 - Register

Most courses in this Associate Certificate are restricted to students enrolled in the program. Once your application has been approved, please register for courses directly with Student Services at 604.528.5590 or register@jibc.ca. Online registration is currently unavailable for most courses in this admissions-based program.

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

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.

Financial aid and awards

Candidates for this program may be eligible for JIBC awards and bursaries.

Awards and bursaries information: financialaid@jibc.ca or 604.528.5762.
Program information: cccs@jibc.ca or 604.528.5608

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

A: COUN-5200 must be taken first and we highly recommend the courses be taken in sequence.