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GRACE Educational Event
Trauma Informed Clinical Approaches with Older Adults

GRACE Educational Event:
From Micro to Macro: Social Work Leadership in the
Safety and Well-Being of Older Adults

Summary
Register Now
February 27, 2026
12:00 - 1:30PM CST

Zoom Webinar

1.5 CEUs

Free

Registration Required

Join us for an important and free lecture from the GRACE Program at UT Social Work featuring Nadia Velasquez, LCSW-S .

This presentation provides an overview of the Core Principles of Trauma-Informed Care and examines how these principles can be thoughtfully adapted to meet the unique needs of older adults. Participants will gain insight into the complex challenges faced by older adults and learn practical strategies to build rapport, enhance engagement, and support clients on their path toward mental wellness. The session will feature real-world clinical cases and examples drawn from the work of Licensed Clinical Social Workers who specialize in geriatric practice, highlighting common challenges and effective interventions. In addition, the presentation will explore the use of nontraditional and alternative therapeutic approaches that are often better suited for working with older adult populations.

At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Review trauma informed practices and how to adapt them in working with older adults
  • Identify how trauma symptoms present in older adult populations
  • Incorporate trauma informed approaches into assessments and therapy practice
  • Integrate trauma informed clinical approaches into real-world Clinical Cases

      About The GRACE Program
      The Gerontology Resources and the Aging Community in Education (GRACE) Program is a practicum-based learning program designed to increase students’ knowledge of and experience with older adults. The GRACE program is co-directed by Professor Joan Asseff, LCSW-S, Assistant Dean for Master’s Programs and Anna Finger, LCSW, Clinical Assistant Professor. The directors work closely with practicum instructors employed at community agencies in aging services in the Austin area to create impactful internships for students. The students’ practicum experience is complemented by GRACE program educational enrichment events, held approximately six times each academic year. These events provide specialized knowledge in areas relevant to social work practice in gerontology.
      Register Now
      If you have any questions, please email
      ssw-pd@austin.utexas.edu
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