Trauma training in postgraduate psychology courses: Provisional psychologists need adequate competencies to support trauma-impacted clients

Up to three-quarters of the general population have experienced trauma in their lifetime (Mills et al., 2011). Traumatic experiences can lead to an individual experiencing social-emotional-behavioural symptoms such as anxiety, anger, depression, withdrawal, aggression and self-injurious behaviour. Psychologists are often on the frontline when it comes to providing targeted psychological support for individuals experiencing immediate or chronic distress for traumatic experiences. As such, psychologists must competently understand the complexities regarding the presentation and treatment of trauma-related disorders.