Trauma Informed Service Design
Trainer
Gerry Scullion
Trainer
Rachael Dietkus
Learn how to integrate trauma-informed principles into service design. This 3-day workshop led by Gerry Scullion and Rachael Dietkus blends theory with practice to help you design with care and safety in mind.
Enquire about this course
Interactive & hands-on
Designed for real engagement with practical exercises and collaborative learning.
Built for all levels
Whether you're new to the topic or an experienced practitioner, the course meets you where you are.
Guided & grounded
We move from concepts into practice in a thoughtfully paced way, weaving stories, exercises, and tools together.
Practical takeaways
You'll leave equipped with frameworks, tools, and confidence to apply what you've learned immediately.
Course Overview
This one-day course offers a powerful introduction to trauma-informed service design. Co-led by Gerry Scullion (This is HCD / Humana Design) and Rachael Dietkus (Licensed Clinical Social Worker and design researcher), the workshop is rooted in a belief that design can be a healing practice when done thoughtfully. You’ll explore how trauma shows up in service experiences, how it can be unknowingly reactivated through poor design, and how to bring care, safety, and awareness into your design practice. The course includes frameworks, personal reflection, and practical tools to embed trauma-informed principles into everyday service design.
What You'll Learn
1. Understanding Trauma in the Context of Design
Gain a foundational understanding of what trauma is, how it manifests in people and systems, and why it matters in service design. You’ll explore key definitions and the impact of trauma on individuals and communities—especially in marginalised or high-stakes settings.
2. Principles of Trauma-Informed Design Practice
Learn the six key principles of trauma-informed care—safety, trust, peer support, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural responsiveness—and how to apply them meaningfully in design. We’ll explore where trauma may be triggered unintentionally in the design process.
3. Practical Tools and Self-Reflection for Designers
Discover how to work in trauma-aware ways, including consentful research, harm-reduction approaches, and reflective practice. You’ll leave with tools for your own wellbeing and for fostering safer experiences for others in your projects.
Get in touch to learn more
Trauma Informed Service Design
Local taxes may apply.
What You'll Get
• One full day of in-person, co-facilitated training with leaders in the field
• A workbook with exercises, frameworks, and reading resources
• Guided reflection activities to support personal and professional growth
• Printed certificate of completion posted to your address
• Access to a post-course resource library curated by Gerry and Rachael
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone working in service design, UX, community engagement, health, public services, or social impact roles. It’s especially suited for those working with vulnerable populations or sensitive subject matter.
Do I need to have experience in service design or trauma work?
No prior experience is required. The course is beginner-friendly and sensitive to the varying levels of familiarity with both design and trauma concepts. It’s okay if this is your first exposure—we guide you gently through it.
Will I need a computer?
No. All materials will be provided on the day. You may wish to access additional resources afterward, but nothing is required during the course itself.
Have a question not listed here?
Please get in touch at support@thisishcd.com – we’re happy to help.
Your Trainers
Gerry Scullion
Trainer
Founder of The Human Centered Design Network / Podcaster at This is HCD Gerry Scullion is Founder of This is HCD, a global podcast and global design community. This is HCD includes a large international design focussed newsletter, podcasts on topics to enable change, an international Slack community, Design Conference and online design training. He has over 20-years professional design experience across a range of industries such as finance, healthcare, media, public services, social media and various startups. He contributed to the book ‘This is Service Design Doing’ (O’Reilly 2018) focusing on chapters about effective prototyping, and embedding Service Design teams within organisations alongside 200 service designers from around the globe. His purpose is to help enable access to strategic design to a global audience. Speak to Gerry about Service Design, Embedding Design into organisations and Human-Centered Design.
Rachael Dietkus
Trainer
Design Advocate | Systems Thinker | Trauma-Responsive Design Researcher | Founder of Social Workers Who Design
Interested in this course?
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Book a free 15-minute call with Gerry Scullion to explore tailored training options for your team.
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