Tagged With "The Power of Now"

As so many disturbing and traumatic events involving children have been covered by the media recently - it caused me to reflect on my own journey of becoming trauma-informed. Now that I know what I know, I cannot view such stories in a trauma- un informed way. I've found myself in discussions with others who may, or may not be, trauma-informed. It turns out this one factor predictably correlates with the type of conversation that ensues around any topic covered by the media where children...

Please help us engage people in the critical conversation about mental health and substance use disorder parity. President Obama created the Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity Task Force in March 2016 to focus key federal agencies on ensuring that Americans receive the coverage and treatment they need. The Task Force wants to hear from patients, families, consumer advocates, health care providers, insurers, and other stakeholders about their experience with mental health and...

Good Evening, Everyone! I'm in the beginning stages of prep for a Sunday morning presentation in October where I am tasked with giving a very concise yet educational talk on ACES. This will be the first-time introduction for our church family, and as we house and run a significant ministry to struggling (in every way) families , it is imperative we start to help our congregation become trauma-informed. The mindset is often, "we lead you to the Lord, now move on", and the frustration among...

Hi Chris, I recently ran into an old acquaintance, who's now working at the National Center for PTSD, where their database has just about any known assessment instrument, probably with some notes about its efficacy. While his project is separate from the Library & Database, he may very well be able to be of some help. I noticed, after I started this note, that you included your email address at the bottom of your note. I'll try to send you particulars. In the meantime, If you go to their...

I think ALL who share a concern about ACEs, regardless of our personal score, have a contribution to make to this endeavor. I remember learning of a SAMHSA meeting about "Lived Experience" which was about to be convened, and there were no Consumer Survivor "Seats at the Table", and an ally in Washington, D.C. went to a few members of Congress who wrote the DHHS Secretary, requesting seats at the table for Consumers/Survivors/Persons with Lived Experience/Person's at risk of becoming a...

Hi Dale! It did not happen. A volunteer staff person had a bit of a meltdown and is, quite frankly, is choosing to not see ACES as causation. She was unwilling to hear any of what she calls, "excuses". There was an ugly confrontation in a meeting.....Anyway, that is being dealt with but after that explosion, we decided to hold on presenting to the entire congregation, and I will now focus on developing a 4-6 week curriculum for our participants. I'm evaluating which games to order from CRI...

Hi Dale, thank you so much for sharing your PowerPoint. I have been talking to my pastor and church and I am preparing to help my church become trauma-informed. I'm creating resources online, so would appreciate anything ya'll have gathered. Thanks, Beth@moorewellness.life P.S. I saw your question about neuroplasticity and I have some information if you'd like to use any of it for future teachings. Brain Plasticity Neural Growth Derives from exposure to new experiences and stimuli Allows for...

I would love to join this conversation and hear the blog talk radio but I'll be traveling and don't know if I'll have access to a computer. In my church I run DivorceCare, GriefShare and teach a single parent Bible study class. I also created and developed DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K.org) and I know how trauma affects these kids. DC4K has been out for 10 years this summer and we have seen changed lives because of it. We now have young adults who went through DC4K and they are having better...

Chris, I understand what you are saying. My expertise is in ministering children from divorce and single parent homes. For years I ran a therapeutic child care in OK. I had no church to send these families to because churches just didn't understand what was needed. Parents would say, "why should I go to church? I just get called out to deal with my own child so I might as well stay home." Thankfully more and more special needs ministries are cropping up now. However, church leaders and...

Lauralee, Thanks for reaching out. Happy to hear from you. Check my website: aceovercomers.org We now have online facilitator training. The first session (one of twelve) is free. There is a difference between establishing a safe culture in a church and just adding a new class to the list of available classes. Establishing a safe culture requires the pastor and leadership to "buy into" understanding and practicing trauma-informed approach to ministry. I'm not saying that the pastor must...

RE James Sisson post: Hello James, I would like to learn more of what you are doing and maybe help you spread the word about what you are learning. I'm a retired doctor who now has a ministry called Serenity and Health. It is so clear that ACEs contribute to much suffering, and I believe faith communities can be a source of great healing. But, I think we all need to know more. Maybe I can write about your work or interview you. Please be in touch at dc@serenityandhealth.com . My website is...