EdX

Embracing the Whole Person in Social Work (edX)

Embracing the Whole Person in Social Work (edX)

This course will explore trauma and wellness from a holistic, systems approach, emphasizing connections, relationships, strengths-based, resilience, post-traumatic growth, and healing and wellness. Complex problems require complex solutions; there is no one size fits all approach.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see EdX's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

This course offers knowledge, skills, and support for health professionals to become more compassionate, mindful, healthy helpers. Social workers often work with clients that are in crisis or have experienced trauma or are experiencing trauma and stress in the present.
Social work is about the relationships we have with individuals, families and communities, it is about partnership and collaboration with clients and consumers in the helping process, it's also about building on the strengths and capacities of people and communities, and instilling hope that there can be better tomorrow.
To be effective in this work it’s necessary to understand what trauma is, know the effects of trauma, and what the social work profession and other professions are doing in the area of trauma informed care and to work successfully with diverse individuals, groups, families and communities that have experienced trauma.
Learners will be provided information and insight into the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACES), which highlights the connection between how early life trauma can impact health and wellness throughout the lifespan. Social workers often come to the profession because of something traumatic they have experienced in their life which has led them to want to help other trauma survivors.
In this course learners will also explore the important concepts and experiences of well-being, strengths, resiliency, and post-traumatic growth. The material in this course may be emotional or overwhelming to read about or watch or talk about. It is important to cultivate wellness tools to be able to support ourselves through life’s challenges and combat burnout and compassion fatigue. This course is also likely to inspire you and uplift you as we learn about the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
This course is part of the Social Work: Perspectives on Trauma and Wellness Professional Certificate.

What you'll learn

  • Describe the impacts of trauma and stress on the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social aspects of the individual and community.
  • Understand the benefits and challenges of implementing healing-centered and trauma-informed care practices.
  • Recognize the benefits of wellness tools to regulate the nervous system and create balance in life.
  • Apply wellness strategies and tools to your own work and life.

Prerequisites:
SWK1x: Introduction to Social Work and SWK2x: Areas of Social Work Practice on edX are recommended prerequisites for this course.

Syllabus

Week 1: Ways of Knowing – Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care
Week 2: Being Mindful, Self-Aware, and Compassionate – Healthy Helpers
Week 3: ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences Study) – History and Hope
Week 4: Relationship Between Biology and Environment Over Time
Week 5: Epigenetics and Social Work
Week 6: Strength, Resilience & Post-Traumatic Growth

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Palliative Care Capstone Projects (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado System

Palliative Care Capstone Projects (Coursera)

In the Capstone Course you have the opportunity to put what you have been learning about in the Palliative Care Specialization into practice. Our team has created five activities that directly relate to what you have been learning in the course. You will need to talk with someone you know, perhaps a friend or family member, about their experiences living with serious and life limiting illness. You may want to engage several people as you go through the 5 assignments as they each will have unique experiences.

Jun 8th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Introduction to Health and Wellness (edX) EdX
Arizona State University,ASUx

Introduction to Health and Wellness (edX)

Explore current concepts in health, exercise, and wellness and learn how to shape your own personal health in this credit-eligible course. This 3 credit hour health and wellness course focuses on the latest trends in health, exercise, and wellness. From stress management and emotional health to overall well being, we will explore personal health, health related attitudes and beliefs, and individual health behaviors.

No sessions available
5-12 Weeks
Positive Psychology: Resilience Skills (Coursera) Coursera
University of Pennsylvania

Positive Psychology: Resilience Skills (Coursera)

Learn how to incorporate resilience interventions into your personal and professional life with Dr. Karen Reivich. In this course, you are exposed to the foundational research in resilience, including protective factors such as mental agility and optimism. Several types of resilience interventions are explored including cognitive strategies; strategies to manage anxiety and increase positive emotions such as gratitude; and a critical relationship enhancement skill.

Jun 8th 2026
4 Weeks
Your Body Inside and Out: Using Exercise Physiology to Slow Aging (edX) EdX
Stanford University,StanfordOnline

Your Body Inside and Out: Using Exercise Physiology to Slow Aging (edX)

This online class will present the latest scientific information on the interaction between aging and physical activity. In an approachable style, you will learn how your physiology changes with age and how different types of movement can impact that trajectory of aging. Physical activity is a powerful medicine and you will learn how to harness its benefits to improve your health and wellness throughout the lifespan. Whether you are new to exercise or a life-long athlete, this class will open your eyes to the amazing systems within your body and help you strategize on activities that fit your goals for a healthy life.

No sessions available
5-12 Weeks
Resiliencia Familiar (edX) EdX
Universidad Anáhuac,AnahuacX

Resiliencia Familiar (edX)

Conoce algunas herramientas para afrontar las adversidades de la vida personal y familiar al propiciar un cambio positivo en tu persona y la de tus seres queridos, para alcanzar la felicidad. ¡Descubre tus emociones y capacidad de resiliencia! y ¡Sorpréndete de cómo se puede comenzar de nuevo tu proyecto de vida!

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Leadership focused on Human Flourishing (edX) EdX
Tecnológico de Monterrey,TecdeMonterreyX

Leadership focused on Human Flourishing (edX)

It describes the elements of the Leadership model oriented towards human flourishing, in order to develop leaders who achieve better results. It describes the elements of the Leadership model oriented towards human flourishing, in order to develop leaders who achieve better results. We are facing a world leadership crisis, due to (among other factors) the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous context we are living in.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Developing Your Personal Leadership Style (edX) EdX
Indiana University,IUx

Developing Your Personal Leadership Style (edX)

The most effective management starts from the inside – only those who know and can manage themselves will be able to effectively manage others. This course focuses on your own self- awareness and emotional intelligence, living your values, and leading change. You will be introduced to tools that help you assess your own style and values, authentically portray who you are, be an effective change agent and seek the joy and peace of mind that comes from personal success in a management role.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Engineering Health: Introduction to Yoga and Physiology (Coursera) Coursera
New York University Tandon School of Engineering

Engineering Health: Introduction to Yoga and Physiology (Coursera)

This course gives you access to an exploration of physiological systems from the perspective of overall health and wellness. In particular, a focus on yoga, meditation and mindfulness as a therapeutic intervention in chronic illness and long term treatment. This course is intended for yoga practitioners and teachers, as well as college students and medical practitioners looking for a deeper understanding of the physiological benefits of yoga.

Jun 8th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Mediation and Conflict Resolution (Coursera) Coursera
ESSEC Business School

Mediation and Conflict Resolution (Coursera)

Mediation is a crucial means to reaching peaceful and agreed solutions in today’s world – on an international, political, industrial, peace-keeping or social level. With the course you will be able to choose and lead a mediation process. You will gain a deeper understanding of workplace and international conflict resolution. Fundamentals of Negotiation are required to complete this MOOC. You can acquire them through our MOOC "Negotiation Fundamentals".

Jun 8th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Mindfulness and Resilience to Stress at Work (edX) EdX
University of California, Berkeley,BerkeleyX

Mindfulness and Resilience to Stress at Work (edX)

Learn research-based strategies to help you foster mindfulness, handle stress, and guard against burnout. Stress, anxiety, and burnout are rampant across workplaces today: 80 percent of workers feel stress on the job, and nearly half say they need help learning how to manage it. While many organizations may assume that intense stress is unavoidable, even admirable, research suggests that too much stress is toxic to our health and performance, leading to burnout and harming the culture of organizations as a whole.

Self Paced
Self-Paced