Peter Levine created a powerful approach to healing trauma called Somatic Experiencing. Dr. Levine shares important information for parents to consider about an all-too-common interactive dynamic when a child experiences a highly stressful, often dangerous moment, such as taking a fall from a bike or rushing up to an unknown dog walking with its owner […]
Remembering our Heritage
We have just experienced a holiday where we historically remember those who have lost their lives in the service of our country. This is also a day where our summer season of vacations is celebrated. Trips to the beach, family gatherings and other summer activities often dominate the focus of the holiday that is meant […]
ACEs, Opioids and Relapse
In a recent article in ACES Connection by Jane Stevens recent research has shown a direct correlation between ACE Scores and relapse by those who are addicted to opioids. We recognize that individuals with high Adverse Childhood Experience scores are more prone to a host of life problems that are both physical and emotional. One […]
Flashbacks and Triggers Can Be Worse Than the Trauma Itself
So much of understanding trauma is understanding the nature of flashbacks that are triggered. For anyone with a trauma history, you can feel like a victim to the sensory memories your brain has stored from your trauma and how, against your will and without your permission, you are suddenly transported back in time where you […]
A Day of Inspiration
I have the distinct privilege of making the rounds at the programs of Lakeside on a regular basis. There are a lot of administrative duties that are a regular part of my position. However, some of the greatest privileges I have are to witness the inspiring moments within our programs. Lakeside students are in our […]
How Schools Can Address the Whole Child
Beyond just teaching academics, schools can foster students’ development in their relationships, identity, emotional skills, and overall well-being. This is the thesis of a recent article written by Lisa Flook that brings a more dynamic approach to education beyond the narrow view that school is purely an academic environment. We all know it is so […]
The Trauma of Split Loyalties
Imagine how a child whose parents have divorced might feel if hearing parents toss jabs back and forth. Some children cry when these things are said. Some are startled, some frightened, others may be confused. Some shut down, withdraw. Some get angry and defend the other parent. What no one knows is exactly what is […]
The Compassion of Trauma-Informed Care
We hear the term compassion quite frequently. In today’s world we know that we have far too little of it. We also hear that caregivers of those who have many life adversities can find themselves in a syndrome called “compassion fatigue.” It means they have given of themselves to the extent that they are exhausted […]
The Secondary Trauma Crisis
I have written significantly about secondary trauma and what our trauma caregivers are facing as they encounter trauma-impacted individuals in their everyday professional experiences. Also, for many who work in our field, they have their own trauma history and are retriggered when they encounter vivid trauma adversities in their clients. Particularly when professionals and others […]
Fear of Feeling
Bessel van der Kolk is a Dutch psychiatrist, author and educator. He is one of the most widely known trauma researchers of our time. His best-selling book The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma is brilliantly written, filled with research and wonderful descriptions about neuroscience and trauma. One […]
