Trauma Responses: Beyond Fight or Flight

Childhood trauma can trigger a chronic “fight or flight” response, even when children are placed in safe, loving foster homes. How do caregivers deal with that response to build relationships?

At Utah Foster Care’s Annual Symposium, Dr. George Thompson provided insight into how a trauma-informed system of care can play a critical role in establishing a sense of safety. A full re-cap of our Symposium can be found on our blog here.

Dr. Thompson is a child psychiatrist devoted to assisting families and healthcare organizations to build emotionally safe, curious, collaborative, and coherent cultures that transform trauma into wisdom. He, along with co-author Marilyn Sanders, is the author of the recent book, Polyvagal Theory and the Developing Child: Systems of Care for Strengthening Kids, Families, and Communities.

Thompson serves on the advisory board of the Polyvagal Institute and is treasurer of the board of directors of the Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy Institute. He and his team are creating a model youth psychiatric residential program, the Thompson Centers for Heroic Change.

For a copy of Dr. Thompson’s Book: Polyvagal Theory and the Developing Child fill out this form.

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2022 Fostering Community Award recipient: Rachel Garrett

Check out Common Thread and all the great work they are doing for teens affected by foster care.  Visit Common Thread on the web or follow them on Instagram at @Commonthread_ut