Dr. Maysa Akbar’s
Urban Trauma
​Certification™

Questions? Contact us at
sales@urbantrauma.com
475-209-7929

Dr. Maysa Akbar’s
Urban Trauma
​Certification™

Addressing Cultural
Challenges

Empower Growth and Understanding

Do you have a vision for fostering inclusivity and understanding?
How have societal challenges impacted your clients, students, or community?
What tools can support their journey toward resilience and personal growth?

Addressing Cultural Challenges

Empower Growth and Understanding

Do you have a vision for fostering inclusivity and understanding?
How have societal challenges impacted your clients, students, or community?
What tools can support their journey toward resilience and personal growth?

AS SEEN ON

Support Communities
with Practical Tools

Educators, first responders, counselors, and caseworkers—gain insight into how societal challenges have impacted the individuals you serve. Learn practical strategies to guide them toward resilience and personal growth. This is your opportunity to make a difference.

  • Become certified in this transformative work.
  • Take the lead in breaking cycles of adversity

By taking measurable steps, you can help clients envision what it means to be whole and empowered. Be a source of support on their journey toward growth and well-being.

Enroll in the certification program to begin making meaningful change in your community.

THE PROBLEM

Understanding Historical Context

History plays a crucial role in understanding Urban Trauma®—the multigenerational and chronic exposure to societal challenges that have shaped communities over time. From the legacy of historical injustices to modern-day disparities, exploring these patterns provides valuable insight into their lasting impact.

Learning about these historical factors is a vital step in addressing their effects and fostering resilience within communities.

The Science of Inherited Stress

Research in epigenetics has revealed that repeated exposure to stress over time can leave lasting marks on our genetic makeup. These markers, influenced by ongoing challenges and adverse experiences, may be passed down from one generation to the next, contributing to long-term effects on physical and mental health. Understanding this connection highlights the importance of addressing these stressors to foster well-being and resilience

The Impact of Environment on Well-Being

Our environment plays a significant role in shaping our development, influencing how we navigate challenges and celebrate successes. Persistent exposure to adverse conditions in urban environments can increase vulnerability to stress and its long-term effects. Urban trauma refers to the deep psychological and physiological impact of ongoing stressors in these settings, affecting individuals and communities alike.

URBAN TRAUMA CAN BE:

  • Multigenerational and ongoing.
  • Intensified by traumatic stress and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
  • ​Influenced by structural and systemic factors shaped by societal practices and policies.
  • Multigenerational and ongoing.
  • Heightened by traumatic stress and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
  • Perpetuated by multiple forms of racism that have been supported by government, laws, institutions and people.

BECOMING URBAN TRAUMA® CERTIFIED MEANS …

  • You gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of trauma in urban environments and are certified to support clients in this specialized area.
  • You are equipped to assess and identify the effects of urban trauma.
  • You acquire practical tools to guide clients on their journey toward resilience and personal growth.
  • You are prepared to take measurable and actionable steps to help clients envision what it means to achieve wholeness and well-being.
  • You gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of trauma in urban environments and are certified to support clients in this specialized area.
  • You are equipped to assess and identify the effects of urban trauma.
  • You acquire practical tools to guide clients on their journey toward resilience and personal growth.
  • You are prepared to take measurable and actionable steps to help clients envision what it means to achieve wholeness and well-being.

Be a Leader for Tomorrow
​Join Our Learning Community

About the Urban Trauma® Certification Course

Developed by a Yale-trained psychologist and best-selling author, the Urban Trauma® Certification course provides a practical framework for professionals across various fields.

This course is accessible to individuals without prior education or experience in mental health and is designed specifically for educators, nonprofit and faith leaders, law enforcement, corrections officers, child protective services, and community service providers.

What Challenges Are Communities
Facing in Today’s World?

  • Bias and Discrimination: Perceptions that undermine the intellectual and mental capabilities of individuals from underrepresented communities.
  • Housing Inequities: Limited access to affordable housing and the long-term impact of discriminatory practices.
  • Disparities in Justice Systems: Disproportionate disciplinary actions and incarceration rates affecting minors and young adults from underserved backgrounds due to systemic policies.
  • Community Safety: Increasing concerns about the number of fatalities during interactions with law enforcement.

About the Urban Trauma® Certification Course

Developed by a Yale-trained psychologist and best-selling author, the Urban Trauma® Certification course provides a practical framework for professionals across various fields.

This course is accessible to individuals without prior education or experience in mental health and is designed specifically for educators, nonprofit and faith leaders, law enforcement, corrections officers, child protective services, and community service providers.

What Challenges Are Communities Facing in Today’s World?

  • Bias and Discrimination: Perceptions that undermine the intellectual and mental capabilities of individuals from underrepresented communities.
  • Housing Inequities: Limited access to affordable housing and the long-term impact of discriminatory practices.
  • Disparities in Justice Systems: Disproportionate disciplinary actions and incarceration rates affecting minors and young adults from underserved backgrounds due to systemic policies.
  • Community Safety: Increasing concerns about the number of fatalities during interactions with law enforcement.

As a Certified Urban Trauma® Specialist, You Can:

As a Certified Urban Trauma®
Specialist, You Can:

  • Gain a deeper understanding of the work needed to address the impact of generational stress and adversity.
  • Foster positive, affirming connections in your relationships.
  • Support individuals as they navigate challenges and regain a sense of control over their lives.
  • Empower others to transition from merely surviving to truly thriving.
  • Guide your clients as they develop emotional resilience and move beyond the weight of inherited stressors.

What is included in the Urban
Trauma® Certified course?

Enroll in the Certified program and receive access to 12 multimedia modules and a workbook to facilitate your learning with the best experience possible.


The workbook provides practical tools to evaluate your clients’ struggles and vulnerabilities and an opportunity for self-reflection.

When you're ready to put your URBAN TRAUMA® Training into action...

When you're ready to put your URBAN TRAUMA® Training into action...

COMPLETE YOUR CERTIFICATION WITH...

URBAN TRAUMA® FIDELITY CAPSTONE

After completing the Urban Trauma® Certified Course, participants will be required to engage in six to eight group phone calls to affirm what they’ve learned. Facilitated by a certified trainer in the Urban Trauma® learning community, these sessions support mastery of the Urban Trauma® principles. Once you complete this Urban Trauma® Fidelity capstone experience, you are fully certified to use and implement the Urban Trauma® framework.



​Each call will serve as a virtual peer discussion and address how participants are applying their new knowledge to their work with clients and community members.

Phone sessions will cover:

Introduction to the Urban Trauma® Work

How you prepared for your initial session with your client, what urban trauma symptoms you have identified, what techniques have proven helpful.

Forming

Elements of the training used in your session, what you could have done better, the healing goals established, client response to the interventions used.

Storming

The intergenerational patterns you identify in your client, how economic factors affect them, strategies used to help clients understand their urban trauma symptoms, highlights and lowlights of client sessions.

Norming

Activity areas you feel less confident in as a Certified Urban Trauma® professional, plans to strengthen those areas, handling any regression or defensive client behavior, facing challenges, client progression toward healing goals, how you find conversations changing with people showing urban trauma characteristics.

Performing

Your progress to date as an Urban Trauma® Certified Professional, strengths and opportunities of using this type of racial justice method, skills you would like to improve, what approaches you are committed to trying with clients to help them heal.

Reflective Consultation

Client case studies since the beginning of your certification process, most helpful training elements, how you have incorporated your newfound knowledge in your work practice, how Urban Trauma® work has helped move you closer to your racial justice practice goal.

100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

Dr. Akbar is passionate about sharing the transformative impact of the Urban Trauma® framework in fostering healing and resilience within communities. If you are not completely satisfied with the course materials or the knowledge gained during the Urban Trauma® Informed program, we offer a full refund of your enrollment fee within 30 days.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • How long does it take to complete this program?

The program includes nine modules. We recommend spending a few days on each module to absorb the material, reflect on the topics, and complete the homework assignments. While the estimated completion time is about three weeks, the online format allows you to learn at your own pace.

  • I feel uncomfortable about some of the topics this program will cover.

That’s a natural response to new learnings and perspectives you may never have considered. Becoming Urban Trauma® Informed requires that you move out of your comfort zone to confront serious issues associated with racial injustice. You should expect to experience some discomfort. Recognize those feelings and acknowledge them as signs of personal growth.

  • Can I return to previous modules to refresh my understanding of a topic?

Absolutely! You have access to the entire program for one full year after your enrollment. Feel free to review materials at your leisure.

  • Can I share my lessons with others in my community?

We encourage you to share your newfound knowledge with others in your community and the people you serve. You will also join a learning community of many Urban Trauma practitioners who will be training alongside you. But please recognize that your access to the membership site is limited to you and only you. The materials in the program are copyrighted by Dr. Maysa Akbar and are not available for duplication or distribution without her permission.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • How long does it take to complete this program?

The program includes nine modules. We recommend spending a few days on each module to absorb the material, reflect on the topics, and complete the homework assignments. While the estimated completion time is about three weeks, the online format allows you to learn at your own pace.

  • I feel uncomfortable about some of the topics this program will cover.

That’s a natural response to new learnings and perspectives you may never have considered. Becoming Urban Trauma® Informed requires that you move out of your comfort zone to confront serious issues associated with racial injustice. You should expect to experience some discomfort. Recognize those feelings and acknowledge them as signs of personal growth.

  • Can I return to previous modules to refresh my understanding of a topic?

Absolutely! You have access to the entire program for one full year after your enrollment. Feel free to review materials at your leisure.

  • Can I share my lessons with others in my community?

We encourage you to share your newfound knowledge with others in your community and the people you serve. You will also join a learning community of many Urban Trauma practitioners who will be training alongside you. But please recognize that your access to the membership site is limited to you and only you. The materials in the program are copyrighted by Dr. Maysa Akbar and are not available for duplication or distribution without her permission.

The Urban Trauma® Informed Program

The program is structured into nine comprehensive modules designed to engage and educate through various learning styles:

The Urban Trauma® Informed Program

The program is structured into nine comprehensive modules designed to engage and educate through various learning styles:

ENROLLMENT IN THE CERTIFIED COURSE WITH CAPSTONE PROGRAM GIVES YOU ACCESS TO:

  • 12 multimedia modules with two to four lessons each, with a mix of videos, assignments and quizzes.
  • A free copy of The Workbook for Professionals to facilitate your learning, with practical tools to evaluate your clients’ struggles and vulnerabilities and an opportunity for self-reflection.
  • Participation in a peer-based Urban Trauma® Fidelity Group.
  • ​Modules cover a broad range of topics and critical challenges to address trauma associated with racial injustice in today’s world.

Register now to become Certified. Gain the knowledge to help your clients become healed, whole people.

Tasha Hunt
​Deputy Director III Court Support Services Division, Connecticut

Tasha Hunt
​Deputy Director III Court Support Services Division, Connecticut

“This is a powerful resource for practitioners seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the far-reaching impact of urban trauma on children and families involved in the juvenile justice system.”

Nuchette M. Black-Burke, M.Ed.
Chief of Family and Community Partnerships, Hartford Public Schools

Nuchette M. Black-Burke, M.Ed.
Chief of Family and Community Partnerships, Hartford Public Schools

“Dr. Akbar connected with our families by sharing her own testimony of experiencing and coping with urban trauma. Hartford Public Schools (HPS) families were so inspired and challenged by Dr. Akbar, that she returned in September 2020 to open the school year with a message to our staff, teachers, and administrators. Her address to HPS challenged us to look at the ways we may be perpetuating trauma in classrooms, school buildings, and in our interactions with students & families.”

Dr. Akbar has collaborated with leading organizations worldwide
to help them strengthen their commitment to inclusion, belonging and meaningful change.

These collaborations span diverse industries, including professional sports, finance, law, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector

Urban Trauma is a registered mark of Urban Trauma LLC

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Questions? Contact us at
sales@urbantrauma.com
475-209-7929