In September 2008 the student placement unit welcomed the first trainee social workers (Cheryl, Sarah, Gil and David) into the Centre for Trauma, Resilience and Growth.
The placement unit is managed by David Murphy and accepts up to five trainees at any time. The placement unit philosophy is firmly rooted in existential and phenomenological principles whilst integrating evidence based practices in trauma work. The placement unit provides students with the opportunity to explore the social dimensions of trauma and post trauma responses.
Whilst on placement students are encouraged to study and explore the benefits and challenges that are faced when developing genuinely empathic and accepting therapeutic relationships with clients. The placement unit is currently engaged in developing innovative ways of working with trauma survivors in providing relationship focussed social support in addition to the psychotherapy provided by therapists within the CTRG.
The placement unit is also active in developing partnership working with local and regional community based projects. The theoretical intention is to provide person centred helping relationships to those affected by trauma within their own social context. So far, this has involved students providing relationship focussed social support to traumatised individuals seeking help within other agencies. Often, those affected by trauma have concerns about approaching statutory healthcare services and feel safer within community projects. By partnership working, the placement unit aims to make the highest standard of trauma support available to all wherever they are seeking help.
To date the placement unit has established links with local community based service providers, such as; Framework Housing, Prostitute Outreach Work (POW), Carers Federation, Refugee Forum and are currently in discussions with the Nottingham Counselling Service and Nottingham Rape Crisis about possible future partnerships.
