Center for Trauma and Resiliency Studies (CTRS)
Lifelong Learning Institute Courses
The Center for Trauma and Resiliency Studies (CTRS) at Divine Mercy University stands at the intersection of compassion, expertise, and service–equipping professionals to respond with skill and humanity in moments of profound crisis. Established in Fall 2026, CTRS advances DMU’s mission by providing specialized training through the Green Cross Academy for Traumatology for students, faculty, alumni, and community professionals.
GCAT: Green Cross Academy of Trauma
Designed to prepare participants for certification as Mental Health First Responders, CTRS formation focuses on effective intervention during disasters and traumatic events. Grounded in clinical excellence and informed by a deep respect for human dignity, the program equips responders to meet individuals and communities at their most vulnerable moments with competence, care, and resilience.
Under the leadership of Dr. Benjamin Keyes, PhD faculty member in the School of Counseling at Divine Mercy University, CTRS continues to grow as a national resource for trauma-informed response. Central to this mission is the development of ongoing CTRS Response Teams– a trained network of students, alumni, and community professionals prepared to deploy anywhere in the United States during times of significant disaster or crisis.
Working alongside first responders, the CTRS Response Team supports recovery efforts by helping prevent compassion fatigue, collaborating in field-based care for survivors, and providing critical counseling services in the aftermath of a crisis. Through this work, CTRS embodies DMU’s commitment to healing, resilience, and hope– bringing professional excellence and compassionate presence where it is needed most.
Green Cross Academy of Trauma Courses
Working alongside first responders, the CTRS Response Team supports recovery efforts by helping prevent compassion fatigue, collaborating in field-based care for survivors, and providing critical counseling services in the aftermath of a crisis. Through this work, CTRS embodies DMU’s commitment to healing, resilience, and hope; bringing professional excellence and compassionate presence where it is needed most.
7 CEUS
GCAT Compassion Fatigue Educator
Compassion Fatigue Educator teaches self-care, plan development, and stress management for colleagues.
7 CEUS
GCAT Treating Traumatized Families
This course equips professionals to assess, diagnose, and treat trauma, focusing on military families.
7 CEUS
GCAT Grief and Loss
This course explores grief vs. loss, focusing on trauma survivor interventions and signs of recovery.
7 CEUS
GCAT Treating Traumatized Children and Adolescents
This course equips professionals to assess, diagnose, and treat trauma, focusing on military families.
14 CEUS
GCAT Treating Sexual Trauma
This course covers family dysfunction, sexual trauma effects, diagnostic categories, and recovery strategies.
7 CEUS
GCAT Psychological First Aid
This course covers survivor needs, cultural awareness, flexible methodology, and best practices.
14 CEUS
GCAT Disaster Trauma (Field Traumatologist)
This course covers disaster stages, incident command system, survivor needs, and practical response.
7 CEUS
GCAT Compassion Fatigue Practitioner
This course builds on compassion fatigue training to support crisis responders with self-care, wellness, and skills.
7 CEUS
GCAT Assessment & Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
This training addresses assessment, treatment and diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder.