When we think of the holidays, we often think of the sheer joy of it: Spending time with loved ones, eating favorite treats, and reflecting on bygone holidays full of those we love and traditions we love. But for many children and youth, the holidays are fraught, painful reminders of those missing from the holiday table, unexpected trauma triggers, and memories—not of sugarplums and nutcrackers, but of betrayal of trust and sexual violence.

As child abuse professionals, how do we help survivors cope with both the highs and lows that the season can bring? How do we help kids heal from trauma and find renewal and peace not only in the holiday season, but all the rest of the year, too? And most of all, how do we help kids get back to being kids? We spoke with Michelle Miller, director of mental health programs here at National Children’s Alliance, to learn how we can give kids their futures back during the holidays—and all the rest of the year.

 This is our last episode this year. Join us again in January for season 5 of One in Ten. 

Topics in this episode:

• Origin story (1:21)
• Why the holidays can be difficult for kids (2:40)
• Watch for these red flag behaviors (5:13)
• Be proactive to help caregivers and kids (8:45)
• How to handle your own concerns 13:38)
• Mental health crisis and a clinician shortage (17:04)
• Evidence-based treatments (25:06)
• Graduating from treatment (30:56)
• See you again in January! (35:36)

Links:

Michelle Miller, Ph.D., LCSW, is director of mental health programs at National Children’s Alliance

Learn more about evidence-based treatments and trauma-informed care at Children’s Advocacy Centers

U.S. Surgeon General information and resources on youth mental health

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CTFSI)

Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)

For more information about National Children’s Alliance and the work of Children’s Advocacy Centers, visit our website at NationalChildrensAlliance.org. Or visit our podcast website at OneInTenPodcast.org. And join us on Facebook at One in Ten podcast.

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