Trauma Essentials

Participants will:

• Develop a foundational understanding of trauma theory and neurobiology - how it affects the nervous system, body, memory and behaviour, and why this changes how you see patients (and how they feel seen)

• Learn how to recognise common trauma presentations across physical and mental health settings

• Learn how trauma presents across the lifespan from early attachment disruption through complex and intergenerational trauma

• Differentiate trauma responses from other clinical presentations (e.g. ADHD, Autism, BPD)

• Learn principles of trauma-informed assessment, psychoeducation, and referral

• Become familiar with trauma-informed assessment, including how to take a history sensitively, use screening tools effectively, and communicate findings across MDTs

• Learn how trauma histories shape the clinician-patient relationship — trust, disclosure, engagement with treatment

• Discuss the role of culture, systemic factors and marginalisation in shaping trauma experience

• Discuss how to support trauma within your scope of practice; use ethical decision-making and clarify referral pathways that patients will actually use

• Apply learning to real clinical situations through case discussion and peer reflection

• Participate in break out streams to address profession-specific needs

• Be supported to integrate learning through informal discussions and space to reflect

• Learn about vicarious traumatisation, compassion fatigue and burnout and reflect on how to sustain meaningful practice over a career.

Total Training Hours: 20 hours formal workshops; 10 hours integrative/reflective practice

Accreditation:

We continue to work on seeking registration and accreditation with CPD accrediting bodies. If you require a specific approval body, please contact us and we will do our best to achieve this.

We currently have the following approvals or accreditations:

• CPD Home - Approved Training Provider

• RACP - Approved Training Provider

• Australian Psychology Society - Approved Advert on website (not yet accredited)

CPD and CME Alignment to professional standards for Australian Medical Association:

Trauma Essentials has been designed to align with professional CPD frameworks used by Australian Medical Colleges (AHPRA, AMA).

The program includes recognised CPD activities including:

• Knowledge and Skills Development: Evidence-based education in trauma theory, neurobiology, and trauma-informed clinical practice.

• Reflective Practice: Structured reflection and case discussion examining trauma presentations, clinical decision-making, and professional boundaries.

• Measuring Outcomes: Vicarious trauma and reflective practice outcome measures with assessment of change of practice over time. Quality improvement module for service-level change in trauma-informed care.

• Peer Consultation: Small-group discussion and interdisciplinary learning supporting collaborative clinical practice.

• Application to Practice: Strategies for recognising and responding to trauma within scope.

• Cultural safety and ethical practice: Discussions, workshops on cultural considerations and understanding of trauma and safety; ethical practice and trauma-informed care.

Psychology Board of Australia/AHPRA

Trauma Essentials is designed to support psychologists to maintain and develop competencies consistent with the professional standards outlined by the Australian Psychological Society, the APS Code of Ethics, and registration requirements of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

This program will:

• Strengthen psychologists’ capacity to provide safe and effective psychological services within their scope of practice through enhanced understanding of trauma presentations, formulation, and evidence-informed intervention approaches.

• Encourage culturally reflective practice by exploring how culture, identity, and social context influence trauma experiences and recovery, and by supporting clinicians to reflect on their own assumptions and positioning within therapeutic relationships.

• Address psychologists’ role within multidisciplinary systems of care, supporting effective collaboration with families, schools, health services, and other professionals involved in client support.

• Further develop competencies in the assessment and treatment of trauma-related presentations across the lifespan, with attention to developmental considerations in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

• Recognise the importance of practitioner wellbeing in maintaining ethical and competent practice, supporting psychologists to recognise and manage the impact of vicarious trauma and to develop sustainable approaches to long-term trauma-informed clinical work.

  
  

  ***Documentation of CPD hours and activity types will be provided to support professional CPD logging.

Program Structure:

• Morning: Intensive workshops covering trauma theory, clinical presentations, responses

• Midday: Case discussions, applied reflection, peer discussions over lunches

• Afternoon: Integration and reflection; facilitated discussion; restorative activities (see itinerary for details)

Sustainable change does not occur naturally in a one-off training, so we have designed a post-escape package to continue your connection with your new peer group, consolidate learning and improve your reflective practice skills.

We offer six months of facilitated online peer supervision groups (60–90 minutes monthly, at a time negotiated with each group). Join your Escape peers to consolidate skills, discuss trauma cases, build resources and confidence and reflect on how your practice is affecting your own wellbeing.

***Select the Supervision package as an additional add-on package for your Escape now to receive a $200 discount.

Supervision Package cost (after the escape): $1200 for a 6-session package. 

Supervision Package Escape cost: $1000 - Receive $200 off if you reserve a spot at the time of booking your Escape.  

Trauma Essentials is designed and facilitated by a clinical psychologist with expertise in trauma, mental health, and systems-based care. Dr Alice Morgan is a clinical psychologist with a Master of Public Health, who brings over 20 years’ experience working across public hospitals and medical teams, community settings, psychiatric hospitals, refugee services, Doctors without Borders, WHO consultancy and private practice. Her research interests have included working in Global Health with MCRI, providing trauma-informed programs for caregivers and children with disabilities.

 She understands the realities clinicians face when trauma does not exist in a silo but rather intersects across medical and clinical teams faced with limited time and resources to respond effectively. 

Alice’s honours research focused on secondary traumatic stress in hospital staff and first responders, and she has prioritised staff support as an integral part of her role throughout her career – for example, during Covid-19, Alice set up a Staff Clinic to support vicarious trauma in RCH staff. 

Alice now works in private practice, primarily with complex trauma clients – these clients are the ones that you see every day in your GP clinic; they are the ones with medical trauma presenting to your chronic health clinic; or the parents traumatised by their children’s condition.  Alice also continues to supervise medical teams and offer reflective spaces to allow clinicians to process their own responses to the work they do.  She will create a safe space within the escapes to allow you to do the same.

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Unlike many introductory trauma offerings, this program is grounded in:

• Evidence-based trauma frameworks

• Real-world clinical decision-making through MDT workshops and case discussions

• A strong public health and systems lens

• Respect for professional boundaries, regulatory expectations and scope of practice

• A focus on recognising and responding to your own vicarious trauma or compassion-fatigue

• Space within a beautiful, restorative setting to integrate your learning and reset the dial.

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The Escapes themselves? The retreat environment is curated with the same care as the educational content, drawing on expertise in food, wine, and hospitality to support learning, connection, and nervous system regulation. Our serene locations are chosen for their ability to offer experiences in nature and connection to others through exquisite food and cultural experiences.

Meals and experiences have been put together to ensure that you return home feeling cared for, spoilt and restored.  These meal times feel generous and soothing - they become spaces to connect with peers and have deep conversations whilst your senses are engaged by the surroundings.  You'll get a true feel for the region and why we love it so much, and even potentially gain some food, wine or cheese knowledge!

SUNDAY 

• 9am: Start your adventure in Busselton! Pick up from Busselton airport (Melb flight) or meet us at Shelter Brewing on Busselton Pier for a light breakfast or wander along the beach.  

• 10.50am: Depart Busselton for early lunch at Eagle Bay Brewing Co. Orientation. 

• 2pm: Check in at Eight Willows Retreat.

• 3-4.30pm: Training.  

• 4.30-6pm: Chill out time. 

• 6pm: Relaxed family dinner at Eight Willows 

MONDAY 

• 7.15am: Breakfast baskets delivered to your chalet door. 

• 8-8.45am: Optional mindful walk on property. 

• 9am - 12.45pm: Training (inc morning tea break) 

• 1pm: Transfer to Meelup Farmhouse for lunch. 

• 3.15pm: Depart for Margaret River township for individual exploration 

• 6pm-8.30pm: Meet us for dinner at the famous Settler's Tavern.  

TUESDAY 

• 7.30am: Depart Eight Willows for Gnarabup 

• 8am - 10.30am: breakfast at White Elephant Cafe + beach (optional mindfulness session) 

• 11am - 12.45pm: Training 

• 12.45pm - 1.30pm: Lunch onsite 

• 1.30pm - 2.30pm: Training 

• 2.30pm - 4pm: Group 1 - Doctors/Health leaders: Training: Referral options and questions

  Group 2 - Psychs/trauma treaters: Cheese Tasting with Hospitality Host 

• 4pm - 5.30pm: Group 1: Cheese tasting with Hospitality Host

  Group 2: Training: Support techniques for trauma

• 6pm - 7pm: Optional activities - Yoga or Drinks on the Patio 

• 7.30pm: Dinner at Eight Willows by Lagoon 

WEDNESDAY 

• 7am: Depart for Yallingup 

• 7.30am - 9.30am: Breakfast at Lagoon + beach walk/swim/mindfulness 

• 10am - 1pm: Training (including morning tea break) 

• 1.15 - 3.30pm: Depart for Vasse Felix Winery for lunch + wine tasting 

• 4pm - 5.30pm: Blind Corner Winery (tasting) 

• 6pm - 8pm: Amelia Park Lodge, Abbey (dinner) 

THURSDAY 

• 7am - 7.45am: Breakfast hampers with (optional) mindfulness sessions (bring your breakfast!) 

• 8am - 8.30am: Pack up and check out. Depart Eight Willows 

• 9am - 11.30: Training at Shelter.  

• 11.30am - 12.45pm: Lunch  

• 12.45pm: Depart for Perth Domestic Airport (or stay in Margaret River for the weekend!) 

• 20 hours of formal workshop training 

• 10+ hours of reflective discussions and informal integration over facilitated conversations

• 4-star chalet accommodation at Eight Willows Retreat 

• A welcome pack and information about the region 

• All curated meals and wine experiences (listed - additional wine to be self-purchased) 

• Onsite coffee cart and fresh juices (on days we are onsite)

• Cheese tasting, led by our hospitality host 

• All planned activities and integration sessions 

• Transport throughout the retreat, including pick up from Busselton Airport on Sunday, and Busselton and Perth Airports on Thursday

• Optional activities:

  • Yoga session 

  • Gratuity payment for appropriate venues - 5% (included in costs)

  • Six months of post-retreat peer supervision (additional cost) 

The two-bedroom queen bad chalets compliment the natural bushland they are set in. With a Queen Bed as standard in both the Master Bedroom and the second bedroom, as well as 2 bathrooms, you are assured of your own space and comfort within this shared option.   

These Chalets come with an open style kitchen equipped with modern appliances; a gas log fire adds atmosphere to the cozy, spacious living room, and the dining area that features a large Flat Screen TV. All Chalets come with a large family sized bathroom with a large bath and either a separate shower or shower over the bath. Slide open the glass doors and enjoy your private veranda with views across the retreat with views of the lake, neighbouring vineyard or forest. 

***Please let us know if you are travelling with a friend and would like to share a chalet with them.

***All prices include the total retreat fee and are inclusive of GST unless otherwise stated.

Have your own private sanctuary to escape to. 

Discover a perfect blend of luxury and retreat in the One Bedroom King Spa Chalets. The elegantly appointed living area features a comfortable two-seater sofa, dining table and chairs, and a digital TV, creating a welcoming space to relax. Enjoy the soothing sounds of the bushland from the comfort of the king-size bed or unwind in the indulgent spa bath. 

The European-style kitchen is equipped with modern appliances, complemented by the convenience of an in-room washing machine and dryer. Step out onto your private deck, complete with outdoor seating and a small barbecue, perfect for taking in the tranquil surroundings. 

All prices include the total retreat fee and are inclusive of GST unless otherwise stated. 

• Flights to/from Busselton/Perth

• Transfers (other than pick up from Busselton airport on 1/11; Busselton to Perth 5/11) 

• Travel Insurance (strongly recommended) 

Trauma Essentials is suited to health professionals - Medical Doctors, Psychologists, Social Workers, Mental Health Clinicians, Dentists, Nurses and other Allied Health Clinicians who:

• Encounter trauma in their work but lack formal training

• Want a clear, ethical, and evidence-based foundation for trauma knowledge and treatment

• Are unsure how trauma fits within their scope of practice

• Wish to improve confidence in assessment, communication, and referral for trauma patients

• Are considering further trauma training in the future and want to build their knowledge in a step-by-step manner, guided by experts and supported by a Community of Practice. 

• Want a high quality, evidence-based course that also allows time to digest complex information through conversation and restorative breaks.

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No prior trauma training is required, however we expect that experienced clinicians will have an understanding of how trauma presents in their work.

No. Starling retreats are structured, evidence-based clinical training programs designed for qualified health professionals. Each retreat includes formal teaching sessions aligned with CPD requirements, followed by curated cultural and restorative experiences. Whilst there are options for yoga (one session), mindful walks in nature, time to reflect and massages (additional fee), these escapes are designed for a little more travel, adventure and fun than a reflective retreat!

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Do the retreats count as CPD?

Yes!!! Our programs are designed to meet CPD requirements for medical and allied health professionals, with structured learning outcomes and documented hours. You will receive 20 hours of formal workshops + 10 hours of reflective conversations and mindfulness walks and demonstrations which in most instances will count towards CPD hours.

From Melbourne:  

There are direct Jetstar flights from Melbourne to Busselton (where our Escapes start) on the Sunday morning (departing Melbourne at 8.05am, arriving in time for breakfast with us). These are usually the most economical flights.

Busselton to Melbourne flights don't fly on Thursdays, so stay in the region a few more days (next flight out is Friday 10am), or jump on our coach to Perth and fly Perth to Melbourne on Thursday night to arrive home in time for work the next day.

Flights also operate regularly between Melbourne and Perth, with regular coaches to Margaret River and Busselton.

From Sydney:

Direct flights from Sydney direct to Busselton arrive on Saturday (1.50pm arrival). Stay overnight in Busselton (not included) and meet us Sunday morning for breakfast to start the retreat. There are no direct flights from Sydney to Busselton on Sunday morning, however flights operate regularly between Sydney and Perth.

Direct flights are available between Busselton and Sydney (transport available) leaving at 2.35pm on Thursday and arriving 9.45pm in Sydney. Alternatively, stay a few more days, or jump on our coach to Perth.

Other centres: Please see airline carriers for flight options.

Whilst we've tried to balance affordability with a true luxurious feel, we're aware that cost of living is tight right now. As such, our payment schedule aims to make it as easy as possible to join us on retreat. 

Payment 1: Retreat Deposit (non-refundable).  

• Early bird deposit: $250 (pay before 30/6/26) 

• Standard deposit: $500 (after 30/6/26) 

Payment 2: Accommodation (paid direct to Eight Willows) 

• Payment due by 30/7/27

  • 2-bedroom chalet (individual room): $835 (inc. GST) 

  • 1 bedroom chalet: $1,300 (inc. GST) 

Payment 3: Retreat Balance (paid direct to Starling Health Collective) 

• Payment due 1/9/26 

  • 2-bedroom chalet: $4,110 (inc. GST)

  • 1-bedroom chalet: $4,134.50 (inc. GST)

**Please contact us to discuss payment plans or options for payment if your workplace financing does not align with this schedule. We are happy to provide invoices or other payment options as needed. 

Please ensure that you read our Terms and Conditions and Code of Conduct in the below documents. 

 If you would like to provide your employer with a simplified explainer of this retreat, including learning outcomes, dates and trainer qualifications, please download the brochure below.