Echo presents a training expressly for reporters, editors and producers on the science of trauma. The training will examine the impact of trauma on the brain and body, as well as the underlying biological and psychological processes that can help us make sense of survivor behavior. We provide practical tips and skills for implementing trauma science in the service of better stories and improved interactions with survivors.

Reporters are no strangers to interviewing trauma survivors, but even the most seasoned journalists can sometimes struggle to understand a survivor’s reactions. Reporters may worry that they are causing further harm and feel ill-prepared and ill-equipped to navigate the trauma minefield.

In this training, Echo’s executive director, Louise Godbold, draws on over a decade of work as a trauma educator, as well as insights from her personal experience as a public survivor and that of the many MeToo survivors she has helped.

This training is suitable for any journalist or editor who has some experience working with trauma survivors or who would like to know more.

At the end of this training you will be able to:

• List the principles of trauma-informed practice
• Describe the impact of trauma on the body and brain
• Name the four survival responses
• Identify common trauma responses
• Explain the differences between trauma memory and regular memory
• Utilize tools for emotional regulation (for self and interviewee)
• Practice skills to avoid retraumatization
• Implement strategies for improved collaboration
• Use methods that contribute to the survivor’s healing and wellbeing
• Apply techniques that support a survivor in telling their story
• Produce deeper, richer and more compelling stories

Details

Dates: Thursday, May 28th, 2026 | 8:30am-12:00pm PST
Cost: $150; $125 early bird (before 04/28/26)
Location: Live training via Zoom. Zoom link and extra details will be sent out a week prior to the training date.
Continuing Education: 3 CE credits are available for an additional $30 for qualifying licenses. For more information visit our continuing education page.

**You can also catch our Executive Director Louise Godbold on  April 25, 2026 at a groundbreaking conference on trauma-informed reporting presented by New York Press Club Foundation and Women’s Justice NOW. Find out more at the link here.

Additional Information

Cancellation fees may apply; be sure to review our refund policies here.

Continuing Education: This course meets the qualifications for 3 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. These credits are available for an additional $30. For more information visit our continuing education page.

For questions about this training, please contact us at training@echotraining.org or (213) 484-6676

* Echo maintains responsibility for this course and its content*