Good Day Educators,
I am hopeful your reading this and still enjoying a summer break!
Do you have or know of a site struggling with behavior?
Staff overwhelm?
Have you thought of training in Trauma? Or have had training in Trauma and just do not know what to do next?
If yes, please read...
Here is the long version of what I offer that most likely is different and Thank you so much for being here, a part of ACES Connection and giving me a platform to share.
Here is my website:
www.CreativeBehaviorSystems.com
What I do that's different from many Trauma Informed trainers is my focus is on attachment, and how to connect. This means the Trauma training includes all of the basics of ACES Science, the study, the understanding of what happens to our neurology and physiology, and some basic resilient building techniques, but the added parts are what it looks like behaviorally, how it affects engagement, connection, functions of behavior and how differing typical functions are absolutely trauma driven, meaning the typical reasons why behavior exists and typical suggestions of functionally equivalent replacement behaviors will often not work because the trauma clouds the behaviors and essentially the trauma itself must be addressed before teaching replacement behaviors.
When identifying that trauma is present, putting strategies in place to address the trauma first, the behaviors often dissipate on their own. If we just follow a traditional behavior change model, most often programs of reinforcement are put in place, it clouds the real reason (function) the behavior exists which is attachment dysfunction. I do use components of PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) and Restorative Practices because they are phenomenal, but I have yet to see success in choosing one way, or using either when trauma is what's driving the chaotic maladaptive behavior. FBA/FAA's are also very detailed and do sometimes miss attachment concerns because behaviorally they look like attention, avoidance or most commonly, control or the person conducting the assessment just may not be trained in attachment theory.
Also, trauma is trauma neurologically and physiologically. I'm often asked to train on trauma on a specific subject. Trauma in the body is the same from person to person, it is not different neurologically or physiologically, our bodies respond the same internally, just differing in the level of reaction. We can talk about trauma and stress causing barriers specific populations have such as poverty, oppression, discrimination/racism, etc., and I encourage Crucial Conversations often. The Restorative Process has a good community building component, can be used in classrooms, or even with staff when conducting these Crucial Conversations for a better outcome in connection, no matter where the environment may be.
Last, significantly focusing on what can we do now... once people are trained in Trauma Informed (Trauma Sensitive, Safe and Supportive, etc.) building resilience is not just about being mindful or implementing meditation (actually, starting meditation with highly traumatized individuals can re-traumatize anyone in the room and quickly) but focusing on our own self-care, self-regulation abilities or inabilities in order to be present, authentic and able to be "that trusting relationship" is an absolute. My training is on HOW to be that way and include Trauma Informed meditation activities as well as many additional easy strategies creating a more Collaborative, Achieving, Resilient Environment (CARE). I'm also very aware no one school site is the same as another. Looking at where a site is at in all arenas and then building up and out from where they are, focusing on sustainable systems is as critical as the interventions trained.
If we cannot be this way, then I believe we are not "Trauma Informed". Otherwise what are we going to do with the information of ACES and what happens to the body, we must fully understand the science, but more importantly what to do next, including systems at school sites and districts for overseeing data driven social and emotional supports.
I'm trained in Restorative Practices, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Mindful Practices, completed my externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy (which is therapy based on attachment; the antidote to trauma), and have taught TIC forever... before it was known as TIC. I have 20 years in education with a focus on behavior and am elated to be able to take this experience and share with others.
I am excited about this new adventure, several schools and organizations are in contact, it's quickly getting busy, but as the Sacramento Steering Committee Lead for Resilient Sacramento, I am grateful and want to show my appreciation for everyone working so hard in the field of Trauma and my new adventure!
Now more than ever we need to de-escalate and it begins with Trauma Informed Training Plus, which includes the complex understanding of attachment, communication, what's next, and how it's actually done.
If there's a way I am able to support your efforts, I'm interested.
Thank you for taking the immense time to read this and again I am grateful to be a part of this movement and community of Trauma Informed People!
Warmly,
Susan
Susan Jones
Principal Consultant
Creative Behavior Systems
www.CreativeBehaviorSystems.com
Twitter: #BehaviorSystems
Instagram: @CreativeBehaviorSystems
Facebook: Creative Behavior Systems
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