Create a visual resource (poster/flyer) that highlights and succinctly explains key aspects of the neurobiology of trauma. To support your visual, you will also write a 1000-word (+/- 10%) essay describing what you have presented and how it relates to relevant trauma-informed theoretical concepts. Assessment Rational As a counsellor, psychoeducation will be an important aspect of your professional practice. Psychoeducation refers to the provision of information to help clients and their families better understand, identify and cope with complex issues. When communicated in a clear, empathetic, and supportive environment psychoeducation can help to promote problem solving, enhance communication and empower clients to understand more about challenging conditions they may be experiencing. In this task you are asked to create a visual resource to explain the neurobiology of trauma. Visual resources are a great way to relay conceptual information that people can understand across educational, cultural and language boundaries. Creating your own visual representation on the neurobiology of trauma will allow you to develop your creativity and innovation, which is aligned with critical thinking and problem solving. The essay component of this assessment encourages you to create a succinct, coherent and sophisticated explanation to the visual tool. Writing an essay enables you to develop your ability to clarify and organise ideas logically, as well as improve your capacity to write clearly and persuasively. Instructions Part 1: Poster The poster should include: 1. a visual representation of the neurobiology of trauma for an audience of your choice (child, adolescent, parent, or adult) in the form of an A4 poster/flyer 2. identification of a minimum of three concepts/aspects of trauma defined in your chosen visual representation, such as physical symptoms of trauma, environmental factors and how the amygdala responds. Note: The graphic does not have to be a photo of a brain/body and can be open to individual interpretation. Creativity is welcomed for this assessment, with examples provided in the resources section. A template is also available. Poster design considerations and tips: Keep the visual clear, concise, and compelling. Use imagery that is universally recognised this helps to make new information less daunting and more approachable. Consider using metaphors or analogies draw a comparison between something unknown and something familiar. Seek feedback before submission ask a friend/family member to read your poster and then explain it back to you. If they struggle, you have some work to do. Part 2: Essay The written component (essay) should use standard essay format (. brief introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion) and include: 1. identification of the audience for your poster 2. a description of your rationale for choosing this visual 3. an outline of how your chosen visual representation relates to theoretical concepts 4. at least four (4) references to support identification of these trauma trigger points.
