Global Work

The Center for Trauma and Resiliency Studies organizes mission trips and immersion experiences that put students, alumni, and community professionals into direct service with survivors of trauma — at home and abroad. These trips deepen clinical skill, fulfill direct-hour requirements for certifications, and embody DMU's commitment to mercy in action.

Summer Immersion Trip — Tanzania

Dates. July 17 – August 4 (2026)

The team is going to Tanzania for two weeks of work with victims of human trafficking alongside Courage Worldwide, followed by a two-day debriefing in Amsterdam.

Eligibility. Most CTRS / Green Cross Academy for Traumatology workshops should be complete before applying. This trip helps participants pursuing the GCAT Certified Clinical Traumatologist certification, since it provides more than 100 direct hours of work with clients. The trip can also be used as an elective for DMU students (COUN 695).

Deposit. $500 deposit holds your spot; total trip cost up to $3,300. Payments are processed online and are not tax-deductible to DMU when made on behalf of another attendee.

For informational meetings, current dates, and the registration link, contact Dr. Benjamin Keyes at bkeyes@divinemercy.edu.

Short-Term Mission Trips

CTRS sends teams to short-term events throughout the year. Past examples include:

• SEEK Conference (St. Louis, MO) — supporting an estimated 20,000 attendees at the FOCUS-hosted national gathering, providing mental health and pastoral first-aid presence on the ground.

Eligibility. Most CTRS/GCAT trauma workshops should be complete before applying. Short-term trips help fulfill direct-hour requirements toward GCAT Certified Clinical Traumatologist.

Special Interest Trips

CTRS periodically organizes special-interest deployments based on emerging needs (natural disasters, refugee crises, regional events). These are announced on the CTRS main page and through DMU communications.

Mission

The goal of CTRS global work is to assist recovery efforts with first responders, help prevent compassion fatigue in those who serve, work alongside survivors in the field, and provide trauma-informed counseling in the aftermath of disaster or crisis. Participants come away with deepened clinical skill, certification progress, and a lived experience of mercy in some of the world's hardest places.

Request information

For trip dates, applications, and informational meetings:

Dr. Benjamin Keyes, Director bkeyes@divinemercy.edu · (703) 416-1441