HEALING TRAUMA WITH MINDFULNESS

Course overview

Trauma can have lasting effects on emotional, behavioral, and physical health. The COVID-19 global pandemic has increased the necessity for trauma-related care for vulnerable populations and healthcare providers. The pervasive fear of contracting the virus, uncertainty about the course of the pandemic, and unprecedented curbing measures have overwhelmed many individuals, leading to increased rates of PTSD and other forms of trauma among the public and mental health workers. Mindfulness trains the individual to observe and accept emotions and sensations as they arise, reducing reactivity and increasing resilience. Health care professionals are likely to encounter patients with a history of trauma and can benefit from trauma-informed mindfulness to support these individuals and care for themselves. Clinical staff can benefit from specialized training in recognizing and treating secondary traumatic stress and PTSD among other forms of trauma. This webinar will explore how evidence-based programs such as MBSR Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, along with breathing, movement, and relaxation exercises, can modulate stress induced anxiety and reduce trauma related issues. Even short mindfulness practices can lead to decreased anxiety and improved cognitive functions such as working memory and executive functioning.