Trauma-Informed Lens

In this episode, Matt, Curt, and Jerry discuss Oprah Winfrey’s 60 Minute reporting on childhood trauma. In a matter of a few minutes, the number of people exposed to the research on trauma multiplied many time over. What does it could this mean for the trauma movement? How can we utilize this moment to further understanding in our communities? These questions and more are covered in this episode.

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60 Minutes  Trauma Segment

Van Jones Show Interview with Oprah

Oprah’s CBS This Morning Interview

Boston Globe Article on Bessel van der Kolk

Podcasters: Russha Montag-Knauer, Matt Bennett, Curt Mower, & Dr. Jerry Yager

In this episode, Matt, Curt, and Jerry welcome Russha Montag-Knauer. Russha works as an Analyst for the Evaluation Unit at the Colorado Division of Probation Services and has worked over the years in integrating trauma-informed practices into her criminal justice philosophy and work. One clear finding in the trauma research is that those with unresolved trauma histories have a higher likelihood for involvement in the criminal justice system. While this surprises few, who know the neurobiological impact of trauma, we will examine how a person’s hurt and pain too often results in criminal behaviors.

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This episode finds Matt and Jerry in Washington D.C. attending and presenting at the 1st National Trauma-Sensitive Schools Conference put on by our friends at the Attachment & Trauma Network. For this podcast, we share what we have learned at the conference and reflections on our presentation on Emotional Regulation and Behaviors. Also, we discuss the powerful experience of being at a conference talking about schools and trauma just days after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas school shooting.

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In Episode 23, Curt and Matt are joined by autism experts Dr. Douglas Goldsmith, Safia Keller, and Kristy Chambers for a fascinating discussion on trauma and autism. We examine the relationship between autism and trauma and how those with autism are at higher risk for bullying and other forms of trauma. Utilizing our combined experience and expertise, we also examine approaches to ensure safety and effective interventions for those dealing with both autism and trauma.

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Columbus Community Center’s website

Invisible Disabilities – Training for law enforcement encountering individuals with autism

Recent local news footage featuring one of our Board members and his son on the spectrum in training law enforcement to recognize and help those with autism.

Douglas Goldsmith – [email protected]

Safia Keller – [email protected]

Kristy Chambers – [email protected]

Trauma is devastating on so many levels. One of the most significant psychological wounds following traumatic events is feelings of shame and unworthiness. These powerful emotions haunt many for decades resulting in a variety of struggles and consequences. In this episode, Matt, Curt, and Jerry explore why shame and unworthiness often occur from traumatic experiences and how we can help others reestablish a sense of worth and esteem.

Discussion Questions

Video of Podcast

Podcasters: Matt Bennett, Curt Mower, & Dr. Jerry Yager

In this episode, Matt, Curt, and Jerry examine how trauma affects how the brain processes information in the environment. A basic understanding of the brain helps us better understand the biological impact of trauma on thinking and behavior. Shining the trauma-informed lens on neurobiology helps us understand the needs of those we serve in a whole new light.

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Learn more about this topic!

Blog Post: Biology of the Stress Response

Blog Post: Trauma’s Impact on the Stress Response

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Understanding the biological effects of stress and trauma helps us to comprehend the reason behind certain behaviors and ways of thinking. In this podcast, Matt, Curt, and Jerry examine a simple analogy to help us understand the complexities of stress and trauma and assist us in teaching clients, students, and patients about their own stress response.

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Podcaster Matt published a second book! As a follow-up to his first book Connecting Paradigms, Talking about Trauma & Change: A Connecting Paradigms’ Supplement provides analogies and models to help people understand the complexity of changing behavior and healing psychological trauma. In this podcast, Matt and Curt explore how helping people understand the effects of trauma and their neurobiology are important steps in the healing journey.

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Matt’s Book!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBRCVFI_4l0&feature=youtu.be

In Episode 18, Matt, Curt, and Jerry talk about the “dilemmas of power”.  The most important social issues of our time have been related to the unequal distribution of power, the abuse, or misuse of power. At their core, traumatic experiences can be characterized by a feeling of powerlessness.  Being Trauma-informed is one of the first steps towards recognizing the potential risks associated with unequal power within relationships.  Becoming Trauma-Sensitive and Trauma-Responsive is when that knowledge and awareness leads to using any power we may have as a result of our positions to do good for others, to ensure that voices of the less powerful are heard and responded to in a caring, compassionate way.

Women’s March

Julie Beem and Melissa Sadin, organizers of the Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools Conference, join Matt, Curt, and Jerry to explore the concept and importance of trauma-sensitive schools. Together with our guest, we explore the important role of schools in the trauma-informed movement and why the concept of trauma-sensitive schools is becoming very popular around the country.

The conference information can all be found at:  www.creatingtraumasensitiveschools.org/conference

ATN’s main website is: www.attachtrauma.org