Picture: La Cultura Cura drumming circle

Original post by Justin Slaughter, TAYSF, April 28, 2015

Picture: Lizbett Calleros, MSW, Healing Specialist, Instituto Familiar de la Raza

As a trauma specialist, what recommendations would you provide to other case mangers/ therapists/ counselors?

In my experience, it is imperative for service providers working with trauma-impacted youth and young adults to meet individuals where they are at in their stage of change.  This is especially important because while youth may be ready to move towards healthier attitudes and behaviors, there might be situations holding them back.  For this reason, one must be compassionate, consistent, patient, and supportive.

I approach this work through the Mayan concept of “en-lak-ech”, which translates into “you are my other me”.  In this way, I hold myself accountable to the youth I work with by working in partnership with them, holding them as the experts and myself as a facilitative object.    Additionally, it is important to understand the complexity of trauma, the impact it has on youth development, and contributing environmental factors that oftentimes perpetuate trauma symptoms.

For full interview go to: http://www.taysf.org/mental-he...-relevant-15832.html