Theory of Historical Trauma Among Native Americans

Course Description: The theory of historical trauma was developed to explain the current problems facing many Native Americans. This theory purports that some Native Americans are experiencing historical loss symptoms (e.g., depression, substance dependence, diabetes, dysfunctional parenting, unemployment) as a result of the cross-generational transmission of trauma from historical losses (e.g., loss of population, land, and culture). However, there has been skepticism by mental health professionals about the validity of this concept. The purpose of this course is to systematically examine the theoretical underpinnings of historical trauma among Native Americans. The author seeks to add clarity to this theory to assist professional counselors in understanding how traumas that occurred decades ago continue to impact Native American clients today.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the core concepts of historical trauma
• Analyze the impact of trauma on physiological functioning
• Analyze the process of cross-generational trauma transmission

Course Components:

• Online text (included)
• Multiple choice online exam (included)
• Electronic certificate of completion (free)

Course Credit(s): 1 CE Credit or Hour

Course Format: Online Text (format of this course is noninteractive)

Course Schedule: Self-paced

Course Author(s): Kathleen Brown-Rice, PhD

Content Publisher(s): National Board of Certified Counselors

Course Author(s) Qualifications: 

Dr. Brown-Rice, NCC, is an Assistant Professor at the University of South Dakota. She earned her PhD in Counseling and Counseling Education from the University of North Carolina. 

Course Level: Beginning/Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced

CEmobile, LLC, #1558, is approved as a provider for social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) www.aswb.org, through the Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. CEmobile, LLC maintains responsibility for the program. ASWB Approval Period: 5/2/2018-5/2/2021. Social workers should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval for continuing education credits.
Social workers participating in this course will receive 1 clinical continuing education clock hours.