Trauma-informed Teaching

This instructional video, from the 'Reaching Teens: Strength-Based Communication Strategies to Build Resilience and Support Healthy Adolescent Development' series produced by the American Academy of Pediatrics, is a speech by adolescent medicine specialist Kenneth R. Ginsburg about building resilience in children (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2014) .

If a teenager is psychologically resilient, he or she has the ability to “bounce back” after something negative happens. This program explains how young adults can develop that resilience, increasing the likelihood that they’ll recover from adolescent stresses and crises without developing deep or lasting psychological problems. A case study of a traumatized young woman who turned to drugs as a coping mechanism acts as a springboard for discussion of resilience-related concepts and issues. Includes self-check quiz and instructor's guide (ClickView, 2008).

In this video, adolescent medicine specialist Kenneth R. Ginsburg, MD, MS Ed, of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, describes the Seven C's Model of Resilience. Key components includes: confidence, competence, connection, character, coping, control and contribution (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2014).

In this video, adolescent medicine specialist Kenneth R. Ginsburg, MD, MS Ed, of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, explains the importance of understanding ACEs when caring for children and teens who have experienced trauma. Topics include: the roots of trauma; trauma prevention; nature vs. nurture, and the effects of stress hormones on the brain (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2014).

After surviving a childhood of abuse and neglect, Tonier “Neen” Cain lived on the streets for two nightmarish decades, where she endured unrelenting violence, hunger, and despair while racking up 66 criminal convictions related to her addiction. Incarcerated and pregnant in 2004, a community mental health program offered her a way out... and up. Neen’s inspiring story, told in this program, illustrates the consequences of childhood household trauma for individuals and society at large - mental health problems, addiction, homelessness, incarceration - and the efficacy of trauma-informed care as a treatment plan. The video features footage of Neen in her current capacity as a nationally known motivational speaker and educator on the devastation of trauma and the hope of recovery (Connell Creations, 2010).

We all face trauma, adversity and other stresses. Here’s a roadmap for adapting to life-changing situations, and emerging even stronger than before.

"Inspiring healthier communities with science-based insights in order to promote and cultivate resilience."

Ideas for fostering skills and behaviors that encourage well-being.

"Across the United States, cross-sector networks are using the science of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma, and resilience—collectively called “ATR”—to build stronger and more equitable communities."

The resources in these pages are appropriate for both students in training and for professionals already working in the field. There are additional resources that we trust will be helpful no matter where you are on your self-care journey.