Expand Your Trauma Toolkit: Neuroscience-based Practical Strategies for Prevention and Intervention

Course overview

An estimated 70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced some type of traumatic event at least once in their lives. In this session, Dr. Christy Kane will provide essential strategies to address trauma among adolescents and adults. Drawing on neuroscience, Dr. Kane will present the types and impact of trauma and unravel the four most common trauma responses. Participants will gain insights into why stressed brains struggle to learn and will be presented with practical techniques to develop self-regulation skills. Dr. Kane will expand on Dr. Siegal's Healthy Mind platter, introducing a tool to help implement this model with clients more effectively. Dr. Kane will also draw from the basic domains of human development to provide a framework for social, cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being. By combining these elements, both prevention and intervention can be addressed. Dr. Kane will use an attachment lens to guide attendees through restructuring negative thoughts, confronting negative emotions, addressing avoidance behaviors, and soothing involuntary reactions. Moreover, she will offer concrete strategies to demystify the concept of a 'mental health crisis,' empowering individuals to develop tailored solutions for families, students, and colleagues. Everyone who attends, regardless of whether they are mental health professionals, teachers, parents, coaches, or friends, will benefit from daily practices to support themselves, their families, and their clients.