Trauma and the Body: Understanding the Connection between Attach Cry and Self-Care, A New Group Intervention based on Principles of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT/tapping) for Trauma-Informed Treatment
Integrating a Trauma-informed, Child Rights Approach to Addressing the Needs of Children Exposed to Traumatic Life Experience Globally
Mental health and substance use among an urban Indigenous population in Toronto, Canada
The Results of a Trauma-Informed Intervention on Staff and Clients
Creating Shared Empathy and Increased Attachment using Self-Regulation Therapy with Couples
Finding Sanctuary: Creating the Neural Pathways of Healing through Yoga Nidra
Trauma and the Body: Understanding the Connection between Attach Cry and Self-Care, A New Group Intervention based on Principles of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Presenters: Dr. Nancy McCallum, MD, MSc, FRCP(C); Pat Woods, RN; and Bonilyn Hill Mohamed, MEd., RP
Presentation Format: Invited Workshop from the Women's College Hospital Women's Mental Health Program
Skill level: All
Abstract: Sensorimotor psychotherapy is a body-oriented modality which provides an understanding of how trauma remains somatically truncated influencing fear states long beyond the traumatic event. Using principles of sensorimotor psychotherapy, the Trauma Therapy Program at Women’s College Hospital implemented a group addressing the way trauma remains active as a result of truncated animal defensive responses (fight, flight, freeze and feigned death) and leads to dysregulated states of arousal. Therapist observation and client feedback led to exploration of the connection between another animal defensive response, attach cry – the cry for help when we are in danger – and clients’ continued struggle to maintain a healthy self-care practice and overcome the impact of trauma on beliefs about the self and self-worth. Using attachment theory and our understanding of the attach cry defense, therapists created and piloted a group for adults who have experienced childhood interpersonal trauma focused on a mindful exploration of the attach cry and the ways in which unmet needs have impacted clients’ relationship to tending to themselves emotionally and somatically. Presenters will describe the theoretical basis for the development of this group, discuss timing, inclusion criteria and preparation for clients. An overview of group structure, content and process will be presented, and client feedback from the pilot groups will be shared.
Learning Objectives:
Participants in this workshop will be able to:
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT/tapping) for Trauma-Informed Treatment
Presenters: Nancy E. Forrester, Executive Director, National Emotional Freedom Techniques Training Institute; Lynda M. Rees, RN, RMFT, M.Sc
Presentation Format: Workshop
Skill Level: All
Abstract: Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is an evidence based, mind body therapeutic modality that brings significant value to trauma informed practice. The most highly researched form of energy psychology, over 84 studies support its effectiveness for anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and PTSD.
EFT facilitates gentle, rapid results through its innovative blend of cognitive-behavioural, affective and somatic therapies combined with self-application of eastern acupressure techniques.
Importantly, EFT not only provides value to patients, but also offers compassion fatigue protection for clinicians.
This workshop explains how EFT integrates within Herman’s Tri-Phasic trauma therapy approach:
Phase One: Stabilization
a) Using EFT therapeutically and as self-help for emotional and physiological self-regulation and symptom management, empowering patients to reliably create internal and external safety.
b) Using EFT, within a patient led and controlled process, to enhance trust and collaboration in the therapeutic relationship.
Phase Two:
Trauma Memory Processing
How EFT offers a targeted and titrated trauma resolution strategy reducing abreactions to nil and elevating patient hope, expectancy and compliance.
Phase Three: Reconnection
How EFT clears residue from trauma-defined beliefs and personality traits, empowering the patient to redefine how they choose to feel, think and act today to create the meaningful life they desire.
Learning objectives:
The participant will:
Integrating a Trauma-informed, Child Rights Approach to Addressing the Needs of Children Exposed to Traumatic Life Experience Globally
Presenters: Shraddha Prabhu, MSW, PhD, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania; Molly R. Wolf, LMSW, PhD, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Presentation Format: Paper
Skill level: All
Abstract: The Convention on the Rights of the Child is one of the most widely ratified human rights treaties in the history of the United Nations (Human Rights Watch, 2014). Yet children continue to face various forms of violence within homes, at school, at work, in communal spaces, and over the internet (United Nations Children’s Fund, 2014). Societal crises such as armed conflicts or natural disasters further precipitate direct and vicarious exposure to trauma (United Nations Children’s Fund, 2016). These adverse life experiences can have profound immediate and long-term negative impacts on the brains, minds and bodies of children (Shavers, 2013, Van der Kolk, 2015).
In this paper, we examine the intersections of class, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, socio-cultural practices, and geo-politics for their impact on the extent and nature of vulnerability experienced by children. We review the extant literature to identify trauma-specific treatment approaches to ameliorate children’s trauma symptoms. We also present best practice approaches to incorporating trauma-informed care in settings (such as school, community centers) that work with children to maximize opportunities for children to feel empowered and experience safety. Lastly, we discuss how trauma-informed approaches organically uphold the core principles of children’s rights.
Learning Objectives:
Mental health and substance use among an urban Indigenous population in Toronto, Canada
Presenter: Michelle Firestone, PhD, Research Scientist, Well Living House, Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Hospital; Assistant Professor, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto
Co-authors: Janet Smylie, MD, Research Scientist, Well Living House, Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Hospital; Professor, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto
Sara Wolfe, RM MBA, Seventh Generation Midwives Toronto
Presentation Format: Paper
Skill level: All
Abstract:
Introduction: The recent Canadian Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) report highlighted the impacts of colonization, including family disruption and dislocation from traditional lands and resultant health and social inequities. The report included calls to action to address these inequities. In urban centres, planning of Indigenous health services is hampered by critical gaps in population health information. Our Health Counts Toronto addresses this by beginning to provide a better understanding of mental health and substance use among Indigenous people.
Methods: Our Health Counts uses Indigenous community driven processes to generate a primary data platform and address gaps in understanding urban Indigenous mental health and substance use behaviours. Using a comprehensive questionnaire, trained interviewers surveyed First Nations, Inuit and Métis adults in Toronto recruited by respondent driven sampling. This allowed for the generation of population-level prevalence estimates. Statistical analysis was used to characterize and describe the results.
Results: Nearly half of participants (45%) reported diagnosis of a psychological/mental health disorder from a healthcare worker (n=917). High rates of lifetime self-harm (45%), suicidal ideation (53%) and suicide attempts (36%) were also reported as well as high rates of depression and PTSD. In the past 12 months, 63% of the population reported cannabis use, 22% crack/cocaine use, 18% prescription opioid misuse, and 40% of the population reported excessive alcohol use within the past 12 months.
Discussion: Our Health Counts responded to the need for high quality, comprehensive, and inclusive health assessment data about the health status and health needs of urban First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples. Indigenous populations in Toronto experience a disproportionate burden of health inequities, including mental health disorders and substance use. These findings begin to unpack mental health and substance use, identifying that a collegial, coordinated and strategic approach to working with Indigenous communities is required to help improve our health and wellbeing.
Learning Objectives:
The Results of a Trauma-Informed Intervention on Staff and Clients
Presenters: Travis Hales, MSW, PhD Candidate; Samantha Koury, LMSW; Sue Green, LCSW, Clinical Associate Professor
Presentation Format: Paper
Skill Level: All
Abstract:
Background: Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is widely adopted amongst health and human service organizations. However, little is known on the impact of TIC implementation. Previous research has tied TIC to possible improvement in client outcomes and staff satisfaction. The current study adds to the existing literature by examining the influence of implementing TIC on organizational, staff, and client outcomes.
Methods: The current study examined the impact of a two-year TIC implementation project. The implementation design included intensive training, mentoring, coaching, continuous consultation, and train-the-trainer and championship development for sustainability purposes.
Results: At the end of the two-year implementation process, the organization had reduced the number of unplanned client discharges, while both staff and clients experienced an increase in their satisfaction with the organization. There were also positive changes to the organization’s climate, and the agency’s policies, procedures, and practices were more closely aligned with a TI organizational approach.
Discussion: The current study adds to the existing TIC evidence-base by demonstrating an association between TIC implementation and a variety of organizational, staff, and client outcomes. Ultimately, the current study provides evidential support for implementing TIC. Continued examination of the impact implementing TIC has across stakeholders is encouraged.
Learning Objectives:
Creating Shared Empathy and Increased Attachment using Self-Regulation Therapy with Couples
Presenter: Irene Boxer-Meyrowitz, M.Ed., M.M.F.T.
Presentation Format: Workshop
Skill level: Intermediate
Relevant population: Clients in couple’s therapy, where one or both members of the couple are trauma survivors.
Abstract:
Relevance to conference theme:
Utilizing brain/body connection to integrate TIC principles with couple’s therapy. Clients gain a sense of safety, ability to re-establish trust/ softening towards their partners, balancing equilibrium, empowerment, and reactivating a healthy social engagement system.
Introduction to the topic & main points to be covered:
A self-regulation approach offers couples relief from distress, increased attunement, and emotionally regulated relationships. Each partner witnesses the other sensing into their nervous system’s “felt sense.” Experiencing access to this portal presents an opportunity for creating empathy for the other, as it increases a shared understanding of their partner’s attachment landscape. This approach is especially useful for trauma survivors.
Presenter will discuss this clinical approach as it takes in the shared somatic sense, and moves beyond to emotions. It creates change on a deep level, allowing couples to cut through thoughts, and even emotions, to the core of their attachment patterns.
The works of Peter Levine, Sue Johnson, John Gottman, and Dan Siegel will be referenced.
The presenter will do a live demonstration of Self-Regulation Therapy.
Learning Objectives:
Finding Sanctuary: Creating the Neural Pathways of Healing through Yoga Nidra
Presenters: Steven Hughes, M.Ed., Education Specialist, Education Services, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Rachael Frankford, M.S.W., R.S.W., Private Practice Psychotherapist
Presentation Format: Workshop
Skill Level: All
Abstract: This experiential session will introduce to the mind-body practice of yoga nidra. This practice comes to us from the Yoga tradition and is demonstrating evidence of its healing benefits for trauma survivors. Specifically, the benefits include: an enhanced felt-sense of safety in the body and the emergence of presence with increasing joy and equanimity with continued practice over time. The underlining brain mechanisms involved support the movement towards the “left frontal shift” and to skilfully limit rumination that is associated with the default mode network. The session will situate the practice within an embodied discipline that supports healing for anyone with or without a trauma history.
*Note for Participants: Please bring a yoga mat, blanket and a variety of coloured pencils and/or gel pens. Participants who cannot comfortably access the floor can still participate by sitting in a chair.
Learning objectives:
