Intensive and safe learning with a trauma-informed approach
The trauma-informed approach has been on the rise in Finland in recent years, and the theme is currently being discussed at TAMK in a few projects that are united by multidisciplinarity. A trauma-informed approach is a systemic approach that aims to create safety and well-being for both customers and employees.
The Promotion of transprofessional trauma-informed approach project is carried out in cooperation with TAMK's key Uninovis partner in the social and health care sector, Kauno Kolegija. In addition, Copenhagen University College from Denmark is involved. The project shares expertise and learning together, with the main activities of the project being international intensive courses. This year, the course was held at TAMK on 19–23 May 2025.
47 students from partner universities and their teachers participated in the course. The project experts at TAMK are Senior Lecturer in Social Services Eeva-Mari Miettinen and Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy Maria Maljanen. The project is funded by the NORDPLUS programme.
Project expertise and rewarding learning experiences
A student team consisting of TAMK's social and physiotherapy students, consisting of Maiju Kotila, Noora Kallio, Sami Mansukoski and Laura Landström, was strongly involved in the implementation of the course. In 2024, they all participated in an intensive course in Kaunas, Lithuania, after which they continued in a new role as project students together with TAMK's project experts. The project students have participated in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the intensive week, as well as coordinated and guided the grouping and preliminary work of TAMK's student participants for the intensive week.
"Our own project students have taken responsibility in a wonderful way. Their desire to develop the intensive course and offer a rewarding experience to other students has been admirable. It has also been wonderful to be able to share the project journey with the team for almost a couple of years now," say Senior Lecturer in Social Services Eeva-Mari Miettinen and Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy Maria Maljanen.
"Continuing in the project team after my own intensive week felt natural and attractive, as I wanted to do my part in creating a pleasant atmosphere and an educational week. It was great to get to know the students and teachers of TAMK and other higher education institutions and hopefully create rewarding contacts for the future, Noora Kallio describes her experience.
Intensive and safe learning
The intensive week consisted of various workshops, lectures, visits and a cultural programme. In addition, the course participants carried out the project work in international
multidisciplinary small groups. International intensive courses offer fruitful opportunities for professional growth and self-encounter. An important goal of the intensive course was to strengthen everyone's own professionalism in dealing with trauma-related issues and applying a
trauma-informed approach. The achievement of the goal will also be charted with a research survey as part of the project.
"The course gave me perspective on the cooperation between physiotherapists and social workers. I have also learned new tools for encountering a traumatized person from other students from different schools. I've also been able to create new contacts with Finnish future colleagues," says Mark Ernstsen, a Danish physiotherapy student.
The intensive course was organised with the aim of taking into account the sensitivity of the topic and creating safer and more responsible learning spaces. The student team and all participants created safety together by getting to know each other, discussing the principles of interaction and reflecting on their own experiences during the days. The project's student team came up with the idea and implemented the retreat space, and the team members and teachers were constantly available for personal discussions.
Casper Hammerich, a student of social services, describes his experience as follows:
"The subject has been tough, but interesting. The intensive week has really been intense, as we go through a lot of things in a short time. It has been important to have clear communication about a safe space and a place to go to breathe if necessary. All the teachers are here for us and they are approachable. The opportunity to speak in one's own language also brings safety.
TAMK's physiotherapy student continues:
"The course has strengthened the idea that anyone may have traumatic experiences, big or small. As social and health care professionals, we can make a difference and create healthy and safe environments. The environment and teaching of the intensive course were built so that no one is alone with emotions and situations. I knew who to talk to, but I also felt that I didn't have to talk if I didn't want to.
The project will also continue in 2026, when the intensive course will be held in Copenhagen. Students of social services and physiotherapy can apply in autumn 2025.
