Have you ever second-guessed your own trauma? Maybe someone told you it “wasn’t that bad,” or made you feel blamed, dismissed, or invalidated. You're not alone. In this course, we’ll unpack and challenge the harmful myths that surround trauma—like who “counts” as a survivor, how healing is “supposed” to look, and what trauma “should” feel like. We’ll explore widespread misconceptions about trauma, including those related to sexual trauma, childhood trauma, and the recovery process. Using a trauma-informed lens, participants will learn how to recognize and debunk these myths while fostering more accurate, compassionate, and inclusive understandings of trauma and healing.

1. Identify and evaluate common myths about trauma.

2. Explain psychological, physiological, and developmental impacts of trauma throughout the lifespan.

3. Apply research to debunk trauma myths and promote more accurate compassionate responses.

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• Goodson, A., Franklin, C. A., Garza, A. D., & Bouffard, L. A. (2024). Supporting Victims of Sexual Assault: The Effect of “Real Rape Mythology” and “Worthy Victim” Stereotypes on Police Decisions Regarding Service Referral and Advocate Involvement in Sexual Assault Cases. Crime & Delinquency, 70(13-14), 3658-3687.

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• McDaniel, L. (2024). Dating Violence Myth Acceptance in College Populations: A Comparison with Sexual Assault Myth Acceptance (Order No. 31483148). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (3086585996).

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