Certified Trauma Support Practitioner (CTSP)

The Certified Trauma Support Practitioner (CTSP) is a professional certification that validates an individual’s competency in providing safe, compassionate, and evidence-informed support to people affected by trauma. The CTSP designation is designed for helping professionals, educators, community workers, and other practitioners who regularly engage with individuals who have experienced distressing or potentially traumatic events.

 

This certification emphasizes trauma-informed principles—such as safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment—while integrating current knowledge of trauma’s psychological, physiological, and social impact. CTSP holders are equipped to offer emotional first aid, supportive listening, and resource navigation, and to foster resilience in various settings, including community programs, educational institutions, healthcare environments, and organizational wellness initiatives.

 

Importantly, the CTSP certification does not constitute licensure and does not authorize the provision of psychotherapy, counseling, or any trauma-focused clinical interventions. Instead, it prepares practitioners to operate within their scope of practice, refer individuals to qualified mental health professionals when necessary, and contribute to reducing stigma and barriers to trauma-related support.