What if we could dispatch somatic resiliency skills to under-resourced neighborhoods, disaster areas, and conflict zones via the same community-focused networks that deliver food, medicine, and other essential supplies? What if front-line workers and community members could swiftly, inexpensively, and effectively access lead training in these life-saving interventions?
On this episode of Transforming Trauma, Emily Ruth has the privilege of speaking with Elaine Miller-Karas, Co-Founder and Executive Director Emeriti at the Trauma Resource Institute (TRI), a nonprofit organization cultivating trauma-informed and resiliency-focused individuals and communities worldwide. The pair discuss Elaine’s incomparable career as an advocate for culturally accessible trauma care, her roles as an author, educator, and host of Resiliency Within, and TRI’s efforts in current strife zones.
When asked to clarify her intention for the interview, Elaine’s response mirrored a sentiment that resonates throughout the NARM community. “If [you’re] wondering whether or not healing is possible, I'm here to say that absolutely [it] is. There are so many different ways that you can learn to be in the present moment and to acknowledge the suffering or the pain that you've had, but also to be able to remember what else is true.”
Under Elaine’s guidance, TRI has developed two pioneering programs: the Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM)® and the Community Resiliency Model (CRM))®. Both were designed to help folks understand the biology of traumatic stress reactions and learn somatic skills to bring balance back to mind, body, and spirit. TRM training focuses on clinicians and individuals in helping professions. CRM trains community members in these skills via culturally appropriate and practical methods that these leaders can disseminate throughout their wider social networks. There’s even an app that guides folks on the go through CRM-based wellness skills.
Elaine’s work, like this conversation, is steeped in hope and a reminder that we all have access to that gift. “Even though you've experienced hardship, there's also strength. If we shine a brighter light on those strengths and sense them, that amazing, sometimes even sacred, powerful healing is possible.”
Transforming Trauma is honored to energetically share Elaine’s hope for a world where widespread trauma-informed, resilience-minded care is accessible to all.
GUEST CONTACT AND BIO
Elaine Miller-Karas MSW, LCSW holds the role of Co-Founder and Executive Director Emeriti at the Trauma Resource Institute (TRI), a nonprofit dedicated to promoting resilience and trauma-informed care. Under her guidance, TRI has pioneered groundbreaking initiatives such as the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) and the Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM), both widely acknowledged interventions for addressing and preventing traumatic stress. She established the Family Resiliency Project, equipping caregivers, educators, and community workers dealing with children.
She is a Senior Consultant for Emory University's SEE Learning Program, a curriculum that imparts schools’ body literacy, compassion, and ethics. Miller-Karas is the author of "Building Resilience to Trauma: The Trauma and Community Resiliency Models, Second Edition," a work commended by the United Nations and Taylor and Francis for its alignment with the U.N.'s sustainable development goals. Her contributions extend to regular insights in Psychology Today on trauma-related subjects and hosting the weekly radio show "Resiliency Within" on VoiceAmerica.
Notably, she spearheads the Ukraine Humanitarian Resiliency Program, providing support to teachers and children amidst the country's conflict. Miller-Karas's expertise and dedication in trauma and resilience have garnered international recognition, showcased through her speaking engagements at prestigious institutions, including the Centers for Disease Control, the United Nations, the Global Fund, Catalyst 2030, and the Skoll World Forum.
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