For the best CPD experience, this session requires a minimum of 6 bookings and has a maximum capacity of 15 attendees. Please check the “Places Remaining” section for the latest availability. If the minimum number of bookings is not reached by 6pm the day before the CPD, the session will be cancelled and a full refund will be issued within 3–5 working days. Unfortunately, bookings cannot be transferred to another date or alternative CPD session.

This CPD introduces Solution Focused Hypnotherapists to trauma-informed practice and explores why trauma awareness matters, even when trauma is not directly disclosed. Many clients arrive with life experiences that may shape how they engage in therapy, respond to intervention, or experience safety, trust and connection within the therapeutic relationship.

The course aims to deepen practitioners’ understanding of how trauma can affect the brain, body, nervous system and behaviour. Delegates will explore common trauma responses, including fight, flight, freeze and fawn, alongside key concepts such as the window of tolerance, nervous system regulation and the importance of psychological safety.

This CPD is not about treating trauma directly or changing the SFH model. It is designed to broaden professional awareness, strengthen confidence, and support practitioners to recognise when gentle adjustments, clear boundaries or referral pathways may be helpful, while continuing to work safely and effectively within scope.

The course builds directly on SFH training, using reflective exercises, and group discussion to support safe and effective work with clients.

We will cover:

Understanding Trauma: An Introduction

• Definitions and types of trauma, including acute, chronic, complex and developmental trauma.
• Adverse Childhood Experiences, also known as ACEs.
• The neuroscience of trauma, including brain, body and nervous system responses.
• Common trauma responses, including fight, flight, freeze and fawn.
• An introduction to polyvagal theory and the role of the nervous system.

The Neurobiology of Trauma

• Brain development and trauma.
• The window of tolerance and signs of hyperarousal and hypoarousal.
• How trauma can affect perception, behaviour and engagement in therapy.

Trauma-Informed Practice Principles

• The six core principles of trauma-informed care.
• Creating safety within the therapeutic space.
• Avoiding re-traumatisation and working within professional scope.
• How trauma awareness can support understanding and sensitivity within SFH practice.
• Own self care and vicarious trauma.

>Referral Pathways and Integration

• When to refer clients on for specialist support.
• Building links with other trauma-informed professionals.
• Practical adjustments that may support safe and effective SFH sessions.

Comparison and Integration with SFH

• How trauma-informed principles can sit alongside SFH, and where the two approaches may naturally diverge.
• How consistency in SFH language can support safety, and where gentle flexibility may help when working with trauma-affected clients.
• Reflection on how trauma-informed principles relate to your own professional role and therapeutic model.

Katie Malley
Prof.Dip Psy, MBACP, MNCPS (Acc.), HPD, MHS

Katie is a psychotherapeutic counsellor, psychotherapist, and solution focused hypnotherapist based in Bury, Greater Manchester. She runs a successful private practice alongside her work as a trainer and consultant. With over 20 years’ experience in education, leadership and mental health, Katie brings a deep understanding of child development, safeguarding, trauma-informed practice and therapeutic support to her clinical and training roles.

Katie has led multi-disciplinary teams, mentored and coached staff, and supported whole-school development in safeguarding, mental health and trauma-informed approaches. She is also a senior member of a national training organisation, supporting schools across the UK to embed trauma-informed practice.

Katie holds a Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling and Psychotherapy, a Diploma in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, and a Diploma in Trauma-Informed Practice. She is an experienced educator, qualified trainer, qualified yoga teacher and certified coach. She is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society, and the National Hypnotherapy Society.