STAR Level I Training
See how Lois Zook Arndt is using and applying the STAR level one training in her community.
Upcoming workshops
STAR is a five-day research-supported trauma awareness and resilience training program facilitated by faculty and staff of EMU’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding. STAR brings together theory and practices from neurobiology, conflict transformation, human security, spirituality, and restorative justice to address the needs of trauma-impacted individuals and communities. STAR trainings are multi-cultural, multi-faith gatherings in which all are welcomed to use the language of their own cultures and faith traditions. Openness, sensitivity and respect are encouraged.
The training combines lectures with experiential and interactive activities. Learning happens through presentations, physical activity, creative expression, and interaction with other participants.
At the end of the training participants will be able to bring a trauma-informed perspective to their personal and professional lives, present the basic concepts and use the tools with others.
Workshop topics
- Trauma overview & definitions—types of trauma
- Effects of trauma—emotional, cognitive, physical, spiritual, behavioral
- Unhealed trauma and cycles of victimhood and violence—acting in and acting out
- Tools and processes for address trauma—body, mind, spirit; restorative justice and conflict transformation
- Resilience and self-care—individual and collective
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
- Bring a trauma and resilience informed perspective to personal and professional life
- Apply the STAR model in their personal and professional life
- Understand trauma’s impact on body, brain and behavior of individuals and groups
- Know processes for breaking cycles of violence (thus preventing further trauma) and building resilience
- Share the basic concepts with others
what participants say
“STAR took time and thought to balance academia, real life experience and emotional intellect. STAR integrates hands-on exercises, which serve experiential learning and demonstrate to the trainees examples of how to conduct techniques in their own professions and personal lives. BRAVO!"
-February 2009 participant
General information
- The training typically begins at 8:30 a.m. on Monday and ends at 12 p.m. on Friday
- Trainings at the EMU campus in Lancaster, Pa. are four days, from 8:30a.m.-5:30p.m. each day
- Licensed counseling professionals (USA) can earn continuing education hours for the training. The EMU MA in Counseling Program will issue the CE Hours certificates through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), provider #4488. The total cost of CEs from NBCC is $10. Continuing Education Units (CEU) are also available for the training from the EMU Provost’s office. The total cost of CEUs from EMU is $30. This course also meets the qualifications for 25 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs and/or LCSW as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Contact us at for more information!
- Register early to ensure you first choice of dates
Admission criteria
- Minimum age of 20
- The training is designed for individuals or organizations working with trauma, violence or conflict-affected populations but admission is open to all
Cost for this training: $749.00 at EMU-Harrisonburg, Va.
Click here to register online now!
See our special package pricing when you sign up and pay for Levels I and II at the same time.