Education
At Birchtree, we believe that sharing knowledge is a vital step in building a trauma-informed community. We cannot do this work alone. Together, we are stronger.
This truth holds not only for survivors, but also for the clinicians, carers, and professionals who walk alongside them. A sense of belonging — of being seen, heard, and supported — is essential for all of us.
Despite the prevalence of complex trauma, many health professionals enter the field without adequate training in how to respond to it. University courses often overlook the practical, emotional, and neurobiological dimensions of trauma work. This gap can leave clinicians feeling overwhelmed and unsupported as they encounter trauma daily in both public and private health settings.
How we address the issue
Birchtree Foundation offers free in-person workshops for clinicians in rural and regional Australia.
These two-day trainings explore the deep and lasting impact of trauma and provide practical strategies for supporting both clients and practitioners in their healing journeys.
2-Day Long Limbs Workshop
Day 1: Understanding Myself
This day focuses on building embodied knowledge of complex trauma, neurobiology, and the adaptability of the human nervous system.
Participants will:
- Understand how trauma affects the brain and social engagement systems, impacting relationships.
- Learn about neuroplasticity and its role in trauma recovery.
- Recognise trauma in clients and understand the necessity of creating safety in all interactions.
- Explore how trauma affects learning, and identify strategies to improve educational engagement.
- Examine systemic and financial trauma, as well as the roles of power and privilege within healthcare and society.
- Develop tools for maintaining perspective and containing trauma exposure.
- Deepen awareness of both the unique and shared paths to healing.
Day 2: Caring for Myself
This day explores the parallel process of caring for ourselves while supporting others — offering tools to foster sustainable, embodied self-care for clinicians and clients alike.
Participants will:
- Identify key principles of self-care and strategies to reduce burnout and vicarious trauma.
- Understand 'bottom-up' and 'top-down' approaches to self-regulation and their neurobiological impact.
- Learn about the science of habit formation and its role in long-term healing and neuroplasticity.
- Enhance interoceptive awareness and gain strategies to guide clients in developing their own.
- Integrate the SEEDS model (Sleep, Exercise, Education, Diet, and Social Connection) into daily life.
- Understand the physiology of flashbacks and "90/10" trauma responses — and how to effectively manage them.
- Gain practical tools to settle the nervous system through breathwork, movement, and nature-based practices like Shinrin Yoku.
Why We Offer This
This work is not easy — but it is essential. Birchtree is committed to ensuring that clinicians, especially those working in underserved areas, have access to the tools, knowledge, and community they need to support trauma recovery in others and in themselves.
Together, we build the foundations for healing.