In light of the recent and unfortunate shootings in the last month, we wanted to share with you a helpful and insightful resource that may assist you when talking to inquiring children about these recent events: “How to Talk to Children of About These Shootings: an age by age guide” by TODAY.com.
Many are aware of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS). A lesser known concept, Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) is more common and very real. Dr. Gretchen M. Miller, a Certified Art Therapist and Advanced Certified Trauma Practitioner, describes what Post-Traumatic Growth is and how it, “has strong, long-term positive effects for survivors of trauma.” View this fascinating article at: …
“Trauma and our responses to it cannot be understood outside the context of human relationships… The most traumatic aspects of all disasters involve the shattering of human connections. And this is especially true for children…” -Bruce Perry, MD As Valentine’s Day approaches, love and connecting with the ones we love is on the forefront of …
Healing from Trauma with the Power of Human Connection Read More »
I feel like it’s pretty common for people to discount play—thinking that it’s cute, maybe fun, but not vitally important or a truly profitable use of anyone’s time, regardless of age. As child life specialists, we can talk about play and its importance . . . but how often do we also fall into the …
Importance of Play: A Reflection from Katie Nees Read More »
Check out this very interesting and insightful resource from FEMA where Dr. Lori Peek talks about ‘Children and Disasters – Reducing Vulnerability and Building Capacity’. This PrepTalk proposes five ideas to reduce the vulnerability of children to disasters. Dr. Peek studies vulnerable populations in disasters and is the author of “Displaced: Life in the Katrina …
I find myself often rolling my eyes on the topic of Self-Care. Are you like me? I mean, we can all give that textbook answer. We can say that it is important and talk about how we practice it. But when it comes down to reality- when it really matters most . . . it …
Child Life Disaster Relief’s Resource Task Force would like your input to know what resources would be of most value to child life specialists working both within and outside healthcare systems during a disaster in a local community. You may be a CCLS who has an incredible story of working professionally during a disaster or …
Tornado season in the U.S. is typically marked from early March – June, although, tornadoes can occur year round. Now is the time to prepare, practice, and gather resources for support after tornadoes – here are a few to get you started (click the pictures or titles for access): Kids & Tornadoes: How to Cope …
In case you missed it, Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry discussed treating childhood trauma this past Sunday on CBS – 60 Minutes. Click the picture to watch the video segment.
The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children is offering a course titled: “Healing the Experience of Trauma”. The learning objectives sound quite relevant to our work. Take a look: Understand the psychophysiology of trauma. Name at least three ways stress and trauma influence changes in the central nervous system. Identify the components of …