Understand how trauma shapes people, communities and organisations and what peace and conflict workers need to work safely and effectively in these contexts. This course introduces practical, trauma-informed tools that strengthen trust, resilience and cultural sensitivity. You will also learn to set healthy boundaries when working with trauma-affected groups and to design projects through an intersectional lens. Build the awareness and skills needed to support healing while maintaining your own wellbeing.
📅 When: 18 March to 22 April 2027, every Thursday from 12:00 to 16:00 CET/CEST (Course break on 8 April)
📍 Where: Online Live Sessions
🗣️ Language: English
🪙 Fee: 500 € / 450€ early bird
⏰ Registration Deadline: 4 March 2027 / Early Bird until 21 January 2027 (10 % Discount)
Content
This 5-week online course introduces peacebuilders to the core principles and practical applications of trauma-informed peacebuilding. Through weekly 4-hour interactive sessions and 2 - 3 hours of guided independent study, participants explore how trauma affects individuals, groups and systems in conflict-affected contexts - and how to respond to it with awareness, empathy and resilience. Facilitated by two professionals with extensive experience in trauma support and peacebuilding, the course provides a safe, participatory and reflective learning environment where participants connect theory to their own conflict realities.
The course will explore key aspects of trauma-informed practice in order that participants can more effectively engage in peacebuilding through a trauma-informed lens and protect themselves from risks in order to maintain their own well-being and effectiveness in their work.
Key Concepts
Trauma and its effects on brain, body, nervous system and behaviour
Collective, historical and transgenerational trauma
Core principles of trauma-informed practice
Practical tools for working with trauma-affected individuals and communities
Intersectional, trauma-informed approach to project planning and team dynamics
Secondary trauma and compassion fatigue
Personal boundaries and self-care
Trauma-informed cultures and policies within organisations
Objectives
By the end of the training, participants will have...
a good understanding of trauma and its impact on the brain, body, behaviour and relationships.
an appreciation of collective, historical, and transgenerational trauma, including colonial and structural dimensions.
increased self-awareness and self-care strategies to address secondary trauma and compassion fatigue.
knowledge of trauma-informed tools and approaches for engaging safely and effectively with trauma-affected individuals and communities.
increased understanding of how to analyse and plan projects and activities through a trauma-informed lens.
begun to integrate trauma-informed principles — safety, trust, empowerment, choice, collaboration and cultural sensitivity — into conflict analysis, project planning and team dynamics.
Who can register for this training?
The training is designed for people working in and intending to work in both front-line and management peacebuilding roles in conflict areas, with individuals and communities impacted by war, persecution, or other circumstances that can elicit trauma.
Do you have questions about this training? Our team is happy to assist you. Please do not hesitate to contact me: selena.gould@propeace.de
Methodology
Each week combines presentations, small-group discussions, experiential exercises and individual self-reflection activities designed to translate learning into practice. The training is aimed at increasing knowledge, understanding and skills required in trauma-informed peacebuilding and, importantly, how to apply this within participants’ own conflict situations. The trainers aim to create a safe learning space in order for participants to share their own and learn from each others’ experiences.
Workload & Deliverables
Regular course participation and active participation in the training.
Completion of a reflection log demonstrating integration of participants’ learning as the course progresses. This will be completed by participants on a weekly basis and shared with the trainers. It can be submitted in written or audio format.
After a successful participation, participants receive a certi/cate and become part of our alumni network.
Total expected weekly hours: 7 to 8 hours per week.
Registration
Ready to go? We are looking forward to your participation:
If you have any questions about /nancing options, please refer to our FAQs.
The participation fee is paid by invoice. Any bank or transfer fees that may apply must be borne by the participant.
Participants should have an adequate internet connection (1 Mbit down/upload or better) to take part in this training. A headset is highly recommended.
