Moral injury is a newer concept, and this training examines it from a trauma-informed perspective, giving clinicians practical tools for healing, repair and posttraumatic growth. Researchers first studied it among military personnel; it is now seen in healthcare workers, therapists, caregivers, social justice advocates and other helpers. Participants learn what separates moral injury from PTSD or burnout and how to recognize shame, guilt and spiritual distress. Case examples, reflective discussion and body-based grounding and self-compassion strategies prepare therapists to help clients, and themselves, face violations of their values with compassion and integrity.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Analyze the defining characteristics and clinical presentations of moral injury in mental health and caregiving contexts.
- Differentiate moral injury from trauma, PTSD, and burnout, and identify overlapping risk factors.
- Demonstrate two or more trauma-informed strategies to support repair, self-forgiveness, and posttraumatic growth.
- Develop an individualized framework to assess and respond to moral injury using clinical, relational, and reflective tools.
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective #1: Analyze the defining characteristics and clinical presentations of moral injury in mental
health and caregiving contexts.
- Defining moral injury: A rupture of inner values and meaning.
- Symptoms and signs: Shame, guilt, betrayal, spiritual or existential pain.
- Who it affects: Those who’ve felt powerless in morally complex situations.
Objective #2: Differentiate moral injury from trauma, PTSD, and burnout, and identify overlapping risk factors.
- Distinctions and overlaps: PTSD vs. burnout vs. moral injury.
- The impact of systems and institutions on practitioner values.
- The nervous system’s role in chronic exposure to ethical stress.
Objective #3: Demonstrate two or more trauma-informed strategies to support repair, self- forgiveness, and posttraumatic growth.
- Grounding tools for therapists and clients facing inner conflict.
- Self-compassion and value reconnection practices.
- Narrative-based tools for restoring integrity and honoring impact (e.g., repair letters).
- Practice session: Writing or movement-based expression of a story of repair.
Objective #4: Develop an individualized framework to assess and respond to moral injury using clinical, relational, and reflective tools
- Working with nuance: Attune, Acknowledge, and Act as clinical principles.
- Mapping inner dissonance and external pressures.
- Peer dialogue: What shifts when we recognize moral injury in ourselves and others?
- Planning worksheet: Applying tools to a current or past clinical or supervisory dilemma.
Summary/Q&A
Social workers completing this course receive 2 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Kristin Whiting-Davis, LCSW-C
Recording Date: December 3, 2025
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com