Trauma and Violence Division (TVD)
The aims of the Division of Trauma and Violence of PsySSA:
The mission of the Trauma and Violence Division is to promote the minimisation of violence in society and psychological harm due to exposure to potentially traumatic events. The TVD addresses this mission through the advancement and appropriate dissemination of scientific research that informs good preventative and ameliorative practice and the implementation of specific initiatives that address needs related to the prevention of violence or treatment of traumatic stress and related phenomena. The goals derived from this mission are to be achieved in cooperation with other PsySSA structures, professional organisations, the general public and governmental organisations.
What do members receive by becoming members?
The Trauma and Violence Division (TVD) aims to provide tailored offerings to members by connecting via interest polls each year. The data generated from our members’ responses informs our offerings – ensuring your voice is heard!
Offerings include:
- Access to informative webinars covering topical areas, including complex trauma, community violence from a socio-political perspective, developmental trauma and more.
- Workshops that advance knowledge in the treatment and management of trauma-related diagnoses, particularly within the South African context.
- Opportunities to engage in a social responsibility project targeting vulnerable populations in an underprivileged community
- Distribution of upcoming trauma-related seminars, conferences and workshops from external sources through member communication
- The creation of a psychoeducational resource library available in various languages to assist the larger community
Full Member
Associate
Affiliate
Registered Counsellor & Psychometrist
Psychology Intern
Student Member
Leonie Vorster
Sanele Nkosi
Daniel den Hollander
Bianca Barnard
Lethu Nhlumayo
Lynne Richards
Important emergency numbers
SAPS Emergency Services: 10111
Crime stop: 086001011
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): 011 234 4837
Suicide Crisis Lifeline: 0800 567 567
Trauma Helpline: 0800 205 026
Domestic Violence Helpline: 0800 150 150
Childline: 116
Tears: 0800 083 277
People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA): 011 642 4345/6
External Courses with a Trauma-focus
*Please note that these courses are not endorsed by PsySSA or the Trauma and Violence Division and merely represent opportunities for members to further their training independently.
- Udemy Certification in Trauma-informed Coaching & Counseling
- SACAP Introduction to Crisis & Trauma
- SACAP Effective Crisis & Trauma Management
- Wanting to learn more about CPTSD? Watch this talk by Prof Gill Eagle on Calabash
- UCT Short Course in Trauma-informed Practice 30 clinical CPD points
- UCT Course on Trauma Informed Research Methodologies and Decolonial Approaches
- Somatic Experiencing Southern Africa Training focuses on Somatic Experiencing a body-based modality based on a multidisciplinary intersection of physiology, psychology, ethology, biology, neuroscience and medical biophysics based on the work of Dr Peter Levine.
- Brainworking Recursive Therapy BWRT focuses on creating new neural pathways that do no have the old undesirable emotional responses.
- EMDR South Africa provides a training based on the work on Dr Francine Shapiro which is based on the premise that lateral eye movements can reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts.
- The South African DBT Institute
- Institute for Cognitive and Behavioural Therapy
- Attachment, Regulation and Competency provides a 2-Day Certificate Course on Treatment for Children and Adolescents
- Red Shoe Play Therapy Training Centre by Rinda Blom provides play therapy courses
- Sand Play South Africa
International External Courses with a trauma focus
- The National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioural Medicine offers various CEU Trauma Focused courses by leaders in the field including Bessel van der Kolk, Stephen Porges, Dan Siegal and many more.
- The Trauma Research Foundation provides a 7 month self-paced program by Bessel van der Kolk
- The Psychotherapy Academy provides training on ACT, DBT and Prolonged Exposure Techniques
- Pittsburg Centre for Integrative Therapy provides a course on Treating Trauma: An Overview of Effective Treatment Modalities
Highlighted lectures and podcasts
-
- Protecting children in the time of COVID-19: working digitally with risk, uncertainty, and loss: https://youtu.be/LrIn3sSLF8A & https://youtu.be/VZe-obhMonY
- The Importance of understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and the lens of trauma: https://youtu.be/95Q-mtI79m0
- Child and Family Traumatic Stress Interventions: https://youtu.be/62FqvsVHKV4
- Deny the Anger, Deny the Hurt: In this interesting interview, TVD’s additional member, Daniel Den Hollander, discusses the importance of addressing anger with Crystal Orderson on CapeTalk Radio Station. Click here to watch
Upcoming seminars and conferences
- International Conference on Trauma: Theory and Practice scheduled for 10-11 April and 4-5 November 2025
- International Childhood Trauma Conference 2025 scheduled for 17-22 August 2025
Research organisations
Free resources
