HTSR Workshop

The Humanitarian Trauma-Sensitive Reporting (HTSR) workshop is designed to strengthen ethical and trauma-informed approaches to documenting crisis-affected experiences. It provides participants with a grounded understanding of trauma and its impact on testimony, alongside practical guidance on planning, conducting, and handling sensitive interviews. The workshop combines discussion, case examples, and reflective exercises to support more responsible and accountable storytelling in complex environments.

The structure and content can be adapted for different fields, regional contexts, and operational needs. Shorter sessions, remote delivery, and additional advisory support are available for teams or organisations requiring tailored guidance.

The HTSR workshop is designed to support anyone involved in documenting the experiences of people affected by crisis. It is particularly relevant to those working in:

• Journalism and documentary production.
• Humanitarian communications and advocacy.
• Human rights research, investigation, or documentation.

The workshop develops a trauma-informed approach through a balance of ethical principles and practical field skills. Key areas include:

• Understanding trauma and its impact on testimony.

• Preparing for sensitive interviews and difficult conversations.

• Building trust and establishing informed consent as a process.

• Navigating power dynamics and cultural context.

• Recognising distress and responding appropriately in the moment.

• Working appropriately with children and other vulnerable contributors.

• Handling emotional disclosure, fragmented memory, or graphic detail.

• Minimising harm in how stories are shaped, edited, and shared.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be better able to:

• Have an understanding of trauma and its effects on memory, communication, and testimony.

• Plan and conduct trauma-informed interviews in crisis settings.

• Assess risk, agency, and consent throughout the reporting process.

• Navigate moments of distress or emotional disclosure with professionalism.

• Handle sensitive testimony with accuracy, fairness, and responsibility.

• Recognise and mitigate potential harm in narrative and editorial decisions.

• Reflect on their role, judgment, and impact when working with crisis-affected contributors.

For training enquiries, or to discuss how Wheeler can support your work through tailored guidance, collaboration, or advisory services, please get in touch.