Disconnect to Connect By Angela Murphy How many of us remember the story of Josh and his parents? Once when I was visiting a family, the 12-year old adopted son *Josh, took me to his room to show me his game. Within a 5-minute time span I saw his very real looking character smoke marijuana, …
BUILDING EMPATHY THROUGH READING By Kenzi Dirks, M.A., R.C.C. “We really emphasize saying sorry,” a concerned foster mother said to me, “when Milo hurts someone we always make him apologize.” “How is that working?” I inquired, genuinely curious. “I don’t think he means it,” she responded. Children who have experienced complex trauma can have …
In this video, Chris Ulmer takes the time to pay several compliments to each and every one of the eight students in his special education classroom. This is the power of affirmation and resiliency statements in action.
Research has proven that positive self-talk enhances healthy identity. CTR clinician, Dr. Kirk Austin provides some key statements that you can speak over your children and yourself each day.
Working with Complex Trauma is Challenging: Increasing Resilience by: Dr. Kirk Austin Resilience is a funny word. It means to bounce back, to rebound, or to recover. It is an essential life-skill that can lead to healthy identity development. Sarah Hamill believes that resilience typically refers to the development of competence in the face of adversity. More specifically, it refers to a dynamic process of positive adaptation and development while simultaneously facing a significant amount of adversity (Luthar, Cicchetti & …
Yoga for Trauma by Lisa Frede Jaime sat cross legged on her new yellow yoga mat, wondering why she had ever agreed to try this. The instructor at the front of the room was addressing the class, yet Jaime’s mind was racing and she could hardly focus on what was being said – something about …
Dr. Austin, one of CTR’s clinicians, provides some practical strategies framed around the SAFE MODEL that will aid adults in connecting with their child in a healthy way.
Over this past year, I worked with an 11-year-old girl named Jenny who was going to be re-introduced to her biological father after not seeing him for 18 months. The caregivers brought Jenny to me as she was exhibiting a wide range of emotions and behaviours from excitement to anxiety. These were connected to the impending visit.
Trauma and PTSD are silent diseases. Victims often feel isolated and misunderstood and people suffering from PTSD may feel frozen in time, reliving their traumatic experience over and over. Continue reading to see how you can support those suffering from these debilitating conditions.
A moving video of a dad that motivates his daughter every day before school reminds us of the importance of positivity and building self-resilience in our children.