Supporting Healing

When we think about our lived experiences encoding in our brains and bodies, it can sound permanent. We may wonder if we can do anything about it.

There is good news! We can rewire our brain and heal our bodies. Neurons that fire together wire together! The following video shares information about how the brain is adaptable and introduce us to the concept of neuroplasticity.

Given how common experiences of trauma are, and the ways in which trauma can affect people, we can strive to create safety and well-being in all our interactions. This means doing all we can to establish positive, respectful, and compassionate relationships. Here are some steps we can take: 

  • Create physical and emotional safety.

  • Be present and listen without an agenda.

  • Understand & remember behaviors can be a response to trauma.

  • Listen, identify, and affirm indications of strength and resilience.

  • Be OK not having to fix anything or anyone (including ourselves).

What are some ways that we can create safety and well-being with each other and the people we are working to support?  The next modules explore different approaches and resources to addressing trauma and supporting the healing of ourselves and others.

  • Trauma-Informed Approaches helps us to understand and respond to trauma so we can minimize its impact in the work we do and nurture healing transformation

  • Healing, Resilience, and Thriving shares a vision of resilience and thriving for all people when healing and well-being is supported. It beings with acknowledging, valuing and engaging people's sense of agency, voice, participation, and contribution. It also includes working to help remove barriers and inequities that people experience in their daily lives and in accessing services and support.

  • Collectively Taking Care helps us learn about how we can be impacted by exposure to suffering and harm. It focuses on how we can develop strategies for taking care of ourselves, each other, and our communities. And it recognizes how these concepts and strategies can guide us toward a more just society.

  • Cultural Responsiveness helps us to better understand culture and the potential impact of culture on families experiencing adversity and trauma. We can begin by recognizing our own culture and its impact on serving families and by embracing cultural humility and cultural responsiveness as we work with families.