Adult survivors of childhood trauma manifest their adaptations to trauma in numerous ways. See a sampling below. Presentations can be tailored to your specific needs. Contact us to let us know what your interests are!

• Growing Beyond Survival: A Self-Help Toolkit for Managing Traumatic Stress
  This presentation addresses the processes by which traumatic stress symptoms develop. We conceptualize symptoms as adaptations to be understood in context and then addressed collaboratively. Specific interventions are discussed and demonstrated. The talk is based on materials found in the workbook Growing Beyond Survival: A Self-Help Toolkit for Managing Traumatic Stress.


• Understanding and Addressing the Dynamics of Revictimization
  The link between early childhood trauma and repeated traumatic experiences in adulthood is well documented. This presentation addresses both the short- and long-term effects of childhood trauma, giving particular attention to the significance of early childhood trauma in the lives of those subjected to current domestic violence or other adult trauma. Learn how to use a trauma framework, increase understanding of the survivor's adaptations, reduce the stigma of revictimization, and combat victim blaming.


• Supporting Male Victims
  Male victims of trauma may be the most marginalized among survivor groups. The stigma associated with male victimization has perpetuated the idea that boys aren’t abused very often, that only men victimize, and that men are prone to victimizing others. This presentation addresses the real picture of male victimization, why they don’t tell, why there aren’t enough services, and how to break the stigma. We also address techniques for helping men cope with and recover from trauma.


• Working with Shame and Anger
  Traumatic experiences nearly universally generate feelings of guilt, shame, and/or anger. This presentation focuses on the unique struggle survivors experience with these feelings and provides a framework for understanding the ways these emotions may manifest themselves in treatment and outside relationships. Of particular importance are the skills we can teach survivors with regard to understanding shame and anger and differentiating those feelings from impulses like violence or self-injury.


• Relational Peer Support for Men and Women Who Have Experienced Trauma
  A grassroots peer support group that is wellness-focused (and can be used with or without companion interventions) can be a powerful force promoting connection and hope for trauma survivors. This presentation discusses the framework, methods, and techniques that facilitate the development of a safe and successful peer support group. This model is adaptable to all kinds of support groups.


• Risking Connection®: A Training Curriculum for Working with Survivors
  Risking Connection® is a comprehensive program that will help you understand and respond effectively to trauma survivors. Studies show that adult survivors of childhood trauma account for a majority of individuals in treatment for psychiatric disorders and substance abuse, but the effects of traumatic experiences are often overlooked in treatment. Based on a relational framework for understanding the effects of trauma, Risking Connection empowers helpers and consumers alike and adapts to any treatment or support setting. To read more about the Risking Connection curriculum, visit www.riskingconnection.com.


• Parenting Skills for Adult Survivors of Trauma
  Kay Saakvitne uses her book Parenting Resource Handbook Support for Survivor Parents: Breaking the Cycle of Abuse One Day at a Time to teach adult survivors of trauma a healthier way to relate to and parent their children and break the cycle of abuse...one day at a time.