Exploring Trauma+

A Brief Intervention for Men and Gender-Diverse People

Open Enrollment Virtual Training Opportunity

With an increased understanding of the impact of trauma, clinicians are beginning to recognize specific issues for men and for trans and nonbinary people. This includes the silence that surrounds their abuse and other adverse childhood experiences, the effects of male socialization on their response to such experiences, the risk of victims becoming abusers and perpetrators of violence, and the need to understand shame and reluctance to explore their trauma.

Exploring Trauma+: A Brief Intervention for Men and Gender-Diverse People is an innovative and research-based, six-session curriculum that is designed for people who have been abused or have experienced other forms of trauma. Topics include: defining trauma; understanding the process of trauma; intersection of trauma and SUDs; trauma’s impact on the inner self (thoughts, feelings, beliefs) and the outer self (behaviors and relationships); building resilience; and coping and calming strategies. Participant-led grounding activities are part of this interactive workshop.

Over the years, the understanding of gender has shifted from the binary male-female model to a more inclusive and expansive model. This second edition of Exploring Trauma is now entitled Exploring Trauma+: A Brief Intervention for Men and Gender-Diverse People in order to reflect the changes in this new edition. We have expanded the definition of gender responsive to include the experiences of transgender and nonbinary people.

The facilitator’s manual is a step-by-step guide containing the theory, structure, and content needed for running groups. The participant’s workbook allows men to process and record the therapeutic experience. The materials are designed to be user-friendly and self-instructive. This allows the Exploring Trauma+ program to be implemented by staff with a wide range of training and experience.

Table of Contents

All handouts and information required for this training are included in the registration fee. 

All handouts and information required for this training are included in the registration fee. Obtaining the program materials for this training is not required.  After you register, you will be sent a link for the training as well as a printable PDF of the PowerPoint and any handouts that are used during the training. 

However, we suggest that each person attending the training obtain a copy of the Participant's Journal to view during the training to enhance your learning experience. Those leading groups after the training will also want a copy of the Facilitator's Guide. You can obtain materials on the flash drive directly from either Covington Books or the publisher.  Upon receipt, you can duplicate as many Facilitator Guides and Participant's Journals as you need from the flash drive for staff and participants. 

Presenter

This training is conducted by our Certified Trainer Shane Pugh, BA, LADC, a licensed alcohol and drug counselor who works at Pride Institute IOP in Saint Paul, Minnesota.  He is also co-author of the Exploring Trauma+ materials.  Throughout this interactive training, he will also discuss how the treatment program materials can be used with men in the criminal justice system.  

October 28-29, 2026 (2-day training, 4 hours per day) 

(click for agenda)

  • 12 pm - 4 pm Eastern Time
  • 11 am - 3 pm Central Time
  • 10 am - 2 pm Mountain Time
  •   9 am - 1 pm Pacific Time

Register

  • This training provided helpful perspective and understanding of issues largely unique to men, as well as things to consider, discuss and make room for in regard to the realities of the gender spectrum.

    - Jaime S

  • Trainer was knowledgable and did a great job presenting a topic that can be difficult. Explaining the course was very helpful and Shane did a great job allowing all of us participants to be involved in large group setting and in zoom breakout rooms.

    - Cody F

  • I appreciate your direct, assertive and respectful communication style. I'm impressed by the way you hold space for a plethora of individuals, with differing backgrounds, professions and personalities. I'm happy to hear that you are broadening your sphere in the future, so that you can make a larger impact in these fields.

    - Jaime S

    Next Steps

    • View our Zoom Participant Guide for helpful suggestions to prepare for the training, as well as our Training FAQ page.
    • $260 per person.  Deadline to register:  October 27, 2026
    • We do provide continuing education credits (CE's).  Please see below for additional information.
    • Purchase Orders:  If organizations want to register multiple people using a Purchase Order, please email your request to training@stephaniecovington.com for more information.
    • For additional information, such as cancellation policies, CE certificates, etc., please visit our Training FAQ page.

    Topics

    • The process of trauma
    • Five core values of trauma-informed services
    • Redefining gender and its diversity
    • Power and abuse
    • Triggers, grounding and self-soothing techniques
    • Building healthy relationships

    Objectives

    • Define gender-responsive and trauma-informed services
    • Discuss the connection between substance use disorders and trauma
    • Describe the process of trauma and typical responses to trauma through the lens of socialization
    • Understand men's dissociative responses to discussions of trauma, abuse, shame, and anger
    • Demonstrate physical and mental grounding activities
    • Apply a variety of therapeutic interventions
    • Understand the connection between trauma and SUDs

    NAADAC continuing education credits (CE’s)

    Dr. Stephanie S. Covington is a NAADAC-approved education provider, provider number 250526.  For more information, please visit http://www.naadac.org/providers.

    Attendees of this training will receive 7 NAADAC continuing education credits (CEs).  Attendees must attend all 2 days, 4 hours per day plus complete the evaluation form at the end of the training to receive credit.  The following organizations and boards approve NAADAC CEs: http://www.naadac.org/naadac-ce-approvals

    Social Workers (ASWB) Credit Designation

    Stephanie S. Covington, LLC dba Center for Gender & Justice, provider number 2033, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/25/25 - 9/25/28. Social workers completing this course receive 7 continuing education credits. 

    The following jurisdictions approve ASWB Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program CEs:  https://www.aswb.org/licenses/ace-approved-continuing-education/

    This virtual training is open to the general public, but space is limited for this interactive training so register now.

    We have a wide variety of people attend our trainings from licensed professionals (Masters and Doctorial Level) as well as paraprofessionals and peer-facilitators.  Because professionals tend to work in interdisciplinary teams, this course is created for social workers, counselors, therapists, clinical supervisors, correctional professionals, and program administrators.

    Register Now!

    NAADAC and ASWB do not allow for partial CE credit; therefore, we cannot issue partial CE certificates.

    Training, consulting, and programming for public agencies, organizations, and institutions.

    www.stephaniecovington.com | www.covingtontraininginstitute.org | www.centerforgenderandjustice.org

    1201 Camino Del Mar, Suite 204, Del Mar, CA 92014  •  858.454.8528  
    The Covington Training Institute is proud to be a women-owned organization dedicated to advancing healing-centered, equity-driven systems of care.

    © Stephanie S. Covington, PhD, LCSW

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