A Neurobiological Approach to Trauma Informed Care: 

Tools for calming ourselves and our clients.

This course goes a step deeper than other Trauma Informed Care courses, by looking at the neurobiological reasons behind responses, and how to calm those responses.


The instructors also model both damaging and helpful aspects of care, and provide detailed advice on every level of Trauma Informed Care, from the words we choose to the design of our clinic space.




This course was specially designed for all lactation consultants, and midwives, nurses, and support staff providing care in home birth practices and birth centers. 

Course Evaluations

Shared with permission from our

“This course was so informative and well put together. I enjoyed learning about all the information provided. ”

Chandra D

Doula, Midwife Assistant

“I have 25.5 yrs of full-time psych nursing (state hospital) & 4yrs part-time in acute care, and I really learned with this course!! I've done a lot of these techniques w/o realizing. I really enjoyed this course.”

Leila M

Certified Nurse Midwife, Certified Childbirth Educator

“This course was very informative, not only for my practice, but for my personal life as well!”

Selena G

Certified Professional Midwife

Upon completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

1. Identify the signs and symptoms of trauma, and the need for trauma informed care.
2. Respond with empathy, by identifying feelings and needs, to those who are displaying signs of a triggered state.
3. Describe the physical considerations for TIC when designing office space.


HiveCE is an approved provider of continuing education by the California Board of Nursing, and this course meets the California Board of Nursing criteria for 3 hours of continuing education. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 17686, for 3 contact hours. (This is widely accepted nationwide as continuing education for nurses and midwives.)

Approved for the NARM Midwifery Bridge Certificate, Category 3.

IBLCE allocates 3 R-CERPs for this course, under verification number C2023299, for those who complete the course between April 16th, 2024 and April 15th, 2025.

IBLCE allocates 3 L-CERPs for this course, under verification number C2023017, for those who complete the course between April 16th, 2023 and April 15th, 2024.

Previously approved for 3.25 R-CERPs under verification number C2002425, and 3 R-CERPs under IBCLE verification numbers C2022052 and C2002112.

Previously approved by MEAC for 3 hours of continuing education, approval number M1920-95-0404DE through April 30, 2022


Note: Course completion does not authorize the learner to use skills outside their scope. Please refer to your state guidelines for determining scope of care.

For information regarding our refund policy and other Frequently Asked Questions, please refer to our FAQ. If you have additional questions, please email [email protected].

Holly Scholles, MA, CPM, LDM, is the founder and president of Birthingway College of Midwifery, and a homebirth midwife with 40 years of experience. She is also an anthropologist specializing in human reproduction and medical anthropology.
Celeste Kersey, BA, CPM, LDM is passionate about living consciously, and is a perpetual student of NVC and Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), Midwifery and Motherhood. Celeste has taught Communication courses, is a clinical training preceptor for midwifery students, and facilitates Non-Violent Communication (NVC) workshops. In addition to teaching, she has over 20 years of clinical midwifery experience, and has an active midwifery practice in rural Oregon.

Course curriculum

  • 01
    1 What Is Trauma?
    Show details
    • 1.1 Introduction
    • Printable PDF: What Is Trauma?
    • 1.2 Origins of Trauma
    • 1.3 Impacts of Trauma
    • 1.4 Signs and Symptoms of Trauma
    • Quiz 1
  • 02
    2 The Neurobiology of Trauma
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    • 2.1 The Brain In Your Hand
    • 2.2 Neurobiological Responses to Trauma
    • 2.3 ACEs
    • 2.4 Activating the Automatic Responses of the Amygdala
    • 2.5 Triggering the F-F-F Response
    • Quiz 2
  • 03
    3 Calming the Brain
    Show details
    • 3.1 Overview of Calming the Brain
    • Printable PDF: List of Feelings/Needs Met
    • Printable PDF: List of Feelings/Needs Not Met
    • Printable PDF: List of Needs and Values
    • 3.2 What Empathy Isn't
    • 3.3 How to Calm the Brain
    • 3.4 Providing Empathy With Full Body Attention
    • Quiz 3
  • 04
    4 Providing Trauma Informed Care
    Show details
    • Printable PDF: What is Trauma Informed Care (TIC)?
    • 4.1 What is Trauma Informed Care?
    • Printable PDF: Biodynamic Care and Counseling
    • 4.2 Contagious Trauma
    • ACA Fact Sheet: Vicarious Trauma
    • 4.3 Where Biodynamic Care and Trauma Informed Care Meet
    • 4.4 Using Biodynamic Care to Provide Trauma Informed Care
    • 4.5 Role Play
    • 4.6 Role-Play Reflections
    • 4.7 Designing Clinical Spaces to Foster a Sense of Safety
    • 4.8 Using Individualized Care to Provide Trauma Informed Care
    • 4.9 Elements of Trauma Informed Care Specific to Postpartum
    • 4.10 Harmful Responses
    • 4.11 Helpful Behavior
    • Quiz 4
  • 05
    Discussion, Post-tests, and CE Certificates
    Show details
    • Questions for Celeste and Holly?
    • Evaluation Questions
    • Post-Test

Reviews

  • By brooke prudhomme

    “Perfect for my personal burnout and PTSD, and perfect for healing so I'm effective at my job.”

    “Perfect for my personal burnout and PTSD, and perfect for healing so I'm effective at my job.”

    Read Less

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