Workshop: Trauma-sensitive Practice

Trauma is a universal experience yet generally speaking, it is an uncommon part of people’s daily conversation. Thankfully, and appropriately, trauma-informed practice is becoming an increasingly common topic within forward-thinking organizations world-wide. This is essential if we want the people we serve to be receiving the most effective levels of support needed for them to thrive.

An individual’s experience of their life’s trauma impacts every area of human functioning: physical, mental, behavioural, social and spiritual. Circumstances such as domestic violence, abuse, neglect and addiction are examples of what is happening within families that dramatically affects a child’s development, and it significantly impedes their capacity to function in adulthood. But the understanding of “trauma” is frequently misinterpreted, misunderstood and minimized - leaving people responding repeatedly from wounded places, without awareness. When combined together with developmental disability or substance abuse, the challenges are compounded enormously. 

We are most effective supporting others when we understand how personal trauma experiences influence overall function and healing processes. Whether we work in the fields of education, social work, child protection or business, and whether we are counselors, police officers or foster parents, this mental health workshop will help us develop new skills in working mindfully and effectively with other people. For any of us participating in this workshop, the upside is that we’ll become a more effective supporter to the people we care for, and the spin-off is that we’re highly likely to understand ourselves more too.

Kim’s workshop presentation style will include a combination of lecture, video analysis, and small and large group discussions.

What will you learn from this one-day workshop*? 

• Gain an appreciation for the deep impact that trauma has upon brain development, relational skills, coping strategies and behaviour

• Identification of the red flags in behaviour that are suggestive of relational trauma, and complexities when coupled with developmental disability

• Develop skills of attunement and “holding space” as a force for regulation, healthy brain rewiring, reflection, self-esteem and learning

• Develop practical scripts and skills related to compassionate communication 

• How to support others with trauma in any setting

• Understand how, as one person supporting another, your awareness and mindfulness can open the door for improved connection with people who live with these challenges
  

* There is also a Trauma-Sensitive Practice 2: Practical Applications version, which often is presented right after TIP. This day looks more deeply into what we can do, no matter the setting we are in, to make a positive difference. It also encourages and facilitates collaboration between individuals and professional organizations, towards a more effective and sustainable community of practice. 

* Each of these workshops can also be slightly adjusted to apply to educational and business settings. Trauma-Sensitive Education and Trauma-Sensitive at Work each look more at how trauma can deeply impact learning and productivity, and what we can do on many levels in schools and work environments to bring out the best in our students and colleagues. 

*There are no maximum numbers of participants for any of these workshops.