Introduction to CE-CERT: Skills for Reducing Burnout and Secondary Traumatic Stress
A 2023 Safer Society survey found that up to 80% of professionals working in sexual abuse prevention reported symptoms of burnout. Many of these professionals engage in self-care practices, most often outside of the workplace. While such strategies are undoubtedly beneficial, there is value in strengthening one’s capacities to manage stress in real time—especially during those moments when the emotional demands of this work are most keenly felt.
Ms. Lauren Garder is very familiar with the stressors inherent in abuse-prevention work. Drawing on her experience in domestic violence and fatality review, she offers this introduction to CE-CERT out of a continuing commitment to supporting the wellbeing of professionals in this field.
CE-CERT (Components for Enhancing Career Experience and Reducing Trauma) was originally developed by Brian C. Miller, PhD. It provides a framework of concrete skills and practices designed to reduce job-related stress and enhance the satisfaction of helping work. The goal of CE-CERT is not merely to survive one’s vocation, but to find it deeply rewarding and sustainable.
CE-CERT emphasizes conscious engagement in five key areas:
- Experiential engagement
- Conscious narrative
- Parasympathetic recovery
- Reducing rumination
- Reducing emotional labor
Evidence-informed and widely implemented, CE-CERT has been embraced across diverse professional settings where individuals work closely with clients experiencing trauma.
Interactive Follow-Up Meeting
Attendees are invited to join an open discussion 15 minutes following the end of the training, where you can engage with fellow attendees by turning on your camera and microphone. This is an opportunity to share your experiences and contribute to a meaningful exchange of ideas. Time will be allocated to address questions or insights from the training. Please note that attendance is optional and will not affect your eligibility for a training certificate.
1) Explain the effects of exposure to workplace stress and client trauma
2) Describe five real-time skill areas for coping with stress
3) Explain genuine feelings to others in a constructive manner
4) Identify physical activities that reduce real-time stress experiences
Audience
This training is appropriate for all professionals who face stress in the workplace and are exposed to the traumatic experiences of others. This can include psychotherapists, child welfare workers, social workers and counselors, physicians, nurses, and educators.
Content Level
Disclosure
Cancellations
Continuing Education Approval
American Psychological Association (APA)
Safer Society Foundation, Inc. is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Safer Society Foundation, Inc. maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
Safer Society Foundation, Inc., provider #233, is approved 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: 06/06/2025—06/06/2026. Social workers completing this course receive 2 general continuing education credits.
Who's Presenting
Lauren Garder, MA LPC
Lauren Garder is a Licensed Professional Counselor working in Oklahoma City, OK with 10+ years of experience in mental health and victim services. Lauren previously worked for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services as the Senior Manager of Zero Suicide and Trauma Care, overseeing the expansion of trauma informed service systems and Zero Suicide Initiatives across the State. During Lauren’s time with the ODMHSAS, Lauren implemented a first of its kind in the nation partnership between a State agency and Family Justice Center to implement a “no wrong door” approach to serving survivors with mental health and substance use disorders and enhancing partnerships between certified victim service providers and community mental health and addiction recovery agencies. Lauren served as the State’s subject matter expert on trauma and specifically supported multiple federal grants as the subject matter expert on trauma and human trafficking. Lauren is CAMS trained (Collaborative Assessment for the Management of Suicidality) and enjoys working with victim service providers to enhance screening, support, and awareness for survivors who experience suicidality.
Lauren currently works in private practice providing individual therapy, training, consultation, and expert witness services. Lauren’s clinical work is mostly with survivors of chronic traumas, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. She has also worked in shelter, transitional, and inpatient settings in Oklahoma and Colorado. Lauren enjoys training on topics related to trauma, trauma informed care, and the intersections of victimization and mental health. As an expert witness, Lauren provides testimony and consultation in federal, state, and civil matters regarding domestic violence and trauma. Lauren has the honor of currently serving on the Oklahoma Crime Victims Compensation Board and previously served almost five years on the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board.