When:
Monday, September 26, 2011
3 p.m.–4:30 p.m. eastern time

Presenters:
Richard Mollica, M.D., M.A.R., Director of the Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School

Beth Filson, M.F.A., CPS, Trainer and Curriculum Developer in Trauma-informed Peer Support and Peer Workforce

Elizabeth Hudson, M.S.W., LCSW, Trauma Services Coordinator, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Relevant for:

• people and families who have experienced trauma
• people in recovery from mental health, substance use, and trauma-related challenges
• peer-run organizations
• behavioral health providers
• primary care providers
• staff of State and county mental health or behavioral health departments
• staff and volunteers of faith-based and community-based organizations that support individuals and families recovering from trauma
• community members interested in supporting others after a traumatic event

You will learn how to:

1. understand the value of sharing one’s story following a traumatic experience or event from an “evidence-based” perspective
2. explain how relationships strengthen and transform trauma survivors, and describe specific ways to build peer relationships based on mutual needs
3. apply new techniques in the role of a listener that support the notion of “person as teacher”
4. describe the values of trauma-informed care and how to  put them into practice across many systems and social services

Description:

During this 90-minute webinar, you will learn how traumatic experiences and their impact are a nearly universal experience and how broad the impact can be on mind, body, spirit, and relationships. However, healing from these experiences is very unique to the individual. You will learn the power of a personal story in the recovery from trauma, recognize the value of the “person as teacher,” and recognize the value of being an active listener. Relationships, especially peer support, can be a source of strength and transformation after trauma. Learn how to build peer relationships based on mutual needs. Gain strategies and techniques for listening in a way that is supportive and compassionate, but also allows listeners to cope with the emotional responses that may be triggered by painful stories.

Communities across the country are infusing the values of trauma-informed care into mental health and substance abuse services, peer-run organizations and communities, child welfare settings, schools, homeless shelters, and correctional facilities. Learn how Wisconsin has embraced these values statewide, engaging consumer leadership and diverse stakeholders across many social systems and services. Through this example, you will see that trauma-informed care is neither a prescriptive nor a dogmatic approach, but an ongoing process of continuous innovation that best meets and responds to the needs evolving from the culture of a community. You will gain strategies that can help you begin implementing a similar trauma-informed approach in your community.

The speakers will share their visions for the many healing pathways toward wellness and recovery.

Training Sponsor:

This teleconference is sponsored by the SAMHSA ADS Center, a project of the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS). CMHS is a center within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Please explore the SAMHSA ADS Center Web site for more information: [1] http://www.promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov