TIPS Magazine Issue 08

In this issue

CoECTNews

Editor'sNote

MeettheTeam!

HowtogofromPuttingOutFirestoFindingJoyinYourParenting.

TheSimpleGuidetoDevelopmentalTrauma

SensoryIssuesandPTSD?Itcanhappentoparentstoo!

UnravellingtheTension:HowMassageTherapyCanHelpReduceStress andImproveWell-being

What'sonWhere?–EventsandConnections

Relievethesymptomsofcompassionfatigue,includingburnout

AsktheExperts

MeetDavid-Whyachildmaystrugglewithschool

Trauma-InformedQualifications

NATPViewpoint

WearedelightedtoannouncethatourAnnual Conferencefor2024willbeheldonThursday20 June Thethemeofthisyear'sconferenceisgoing backtothebasicsofTherapeuticParentingandis called“TheEssentialToolsofTherapeutic Parenting".

Asitwillbeavirtualconferencethisyear,youcan joinusfromthecomfortofyourownsofa.So,grab awarmdrinkandjoinusforanexcitingand informativeevent.

Youcanfindmoreinformationby clickingonthelinkorscanningthe QRcode

https://tinyurlcom/yaewvn2s

TherapeuticParentingAwarenessDay

Wow,whatawonderfuldayitwas!OnWednesday6th March,wecelebratedourfirsteverTherapeuticParenting AwarenessDayandTheNationalAssociationof TherapeuticParents’7thBirthday! Weweresohappyto sharethisspecialoccasionwithover100peoplewho joinedusforourlive-streamingevent.Itwasamazingto seesomuchinterestandsupportfortherapeutic parenting.

Asaspecialbirthdaytreat,werevealedournewNATP Trainingservice,whichwilloffermembersmore opportunitiestolearnandgrowastherapeuticparents Readontofindoutmoreaboutthisexcitingnews...

NATPTraining

Areyoureadytolearnhowtosupportchildrenand youngpeoplewhohaveexperiencedtrauma?

NATPisexcitedtoannounceitsnewtrainingservice, whichofferstrauma-informedtrainingtoorganisations, parentsandprofessionals Whetheryouworkin education,health,socialcareoranyothersector,you canbenefitfromthisserviceandgainvaluableskillsand knowledge Don'tmissthisopportunitytomakea differenceinthelivesofthosewhoneeditmost Tofind outmoreonthisnewserviceturntopage20

GroundbreakingNewsforSAfER Fostering!

SAfERFosteringarepleasedtoannouncethat,in agroundbreakingmove,theyaregoingtobe providingprivatehealthcareforthechildren andfosterparentsintheiragency.

TheyarealsowelcominginSpringtimewiththe re-openingoftheircaravan, whichfoster familiesintheagencyhavetheopportunityto useforweekendandholidaybreaks

KeynoteandTraining

Ourtrainershavebeenalloverthecountryin thepastfewweeksdeliveringtraining including:

HealingChildrenThroughTherapeutic Parenting

SarahNaishandSarahDillonhavebeenin HulltraininganorganisationinHealing ChildrenthroughTherapeuticParenting,and theyarelookingforwardtotheirConference intheupcomingmonths

Trauma-informedTeaching-Head TeachersconferencePortsmouth

SarahNaishandSairPennahadthepleasure ofspeakingatthePortsmouthHeadTeachers Conferencedeliveringanoverviewof Trauma-InformedTeachingandhowitcan beimplementedintoeducationalsettings

Editor’sNote

GreetingstoAll,

Thismonth,NATPcelebratedits7thanniversary,andtimeseemstohaveflownby.Over these7years,NATPhasprovidedinvaluablesupporttonumerousfamiliesfacing significantchallenges.Thissuccessislargelyattributedtoourdedicatedteamof volunteerswhoofferpeersupportthroughhostingListeningCirclesandproviding empatheticears.HappyBirthdayNATP!

Inthisedition,wewelcomebackJessicaSpenceley,aTherapeuticSocialWorkerwhowill delveintotransitioningfrommanagingcrisestodiscoveringjoyinyourparentingjourney. Shewillsharestrategiestoenhancethebondandunderstandingbetweenparentand child.

Sarahdiscusses‘TheSimpleGuidetoDevelopmentalTrauma’,emphasisingthenecessity forallinvolvedinachild'slifetocommunicateandcollaborateeffectively.How addressingunderlyingissuesbeforetacklingmorecomplexmatterscanpreventconflicts andchallenges,leadingtoimprovedoutcomesforthechild.Sarahalsoshedslightonher personalexperiencesinthearticletitled‘SensoryIssuesandPTSD’.

Inourwellbeingsegment,NicolaCrabb,askilledmassagetherapist,elaboratesonhow massagetherapycanalleviatechronicstress Sheexploreshowusingprofessional massagetechniquesandaromatherapyoils,wecanreleasepent-upstressand effectivelymanageourstresslevels.

GarethThomas,aseasonedtherapeuticfosterparent,offersinsightintothereasons behindachilddisplayingchallengingbehaviouratschoolandstressesthesignificance ofeducatorsunderstandingtherootcausesofsuchbehaviours.

WealsorecapCOECTeventsandtrainingopportunities,featuringaspecialpiecefrom NATPintroducingtheirnewtrainingservice.

AsEasterapproaches,wewishyouacalmandpositivestarttoSpringandtheEaster holidays

TakeCare,

Sair, Sarah, and The Team at The Centre of Excellence in Child Trauma

MeettheTeam!

TheCentreofExcellenceinChildTraumaismadeupofateamofexpertswhohave essentialreal-lifeexperience.WeareAdopters,FosterParentsandBioparentsof neurodiversechildren,andalsoworkasprofessionalsinthefield

ExecutiveEditor-SarahNaish SarahisaTherapeuticParent,an Adopteroffivesiblings,former FosterParent,retiredSocialWorker, BestsellinginternationalAuthor, KeynoteSpeakerandfounderof threeIndependentTherapeutic FosteringAgencies

ExecutiveEditor-SairPenna Sair(Sarah)isaTherapeutic Parent,Trainer, andTherapeutic ParentingCoach.Directorof NATP,TheHavenParentingand WellbeingCentreandInspire TrainingGroupandworksacross CoECTsupportingfamilies.

ManagingEditor-KathrynTalbot KathrynworksacrossCoECT, specialisingincommunicationsand publicrelations

Contributor-EmmaEdwards EmmaisaTherapeuticParent, Adopter,DirectorofNATPandThe HavenParentingandWellbeing Centre

Contributor-SarahDillon SarahisaTherapeuticParent,an AttachmentTherapist,Keynote speaker,formerchildincare,Author (TherapeuticParenting)Headof TherapeuticServices(Fostering)

Contributor-NicolaCrabb Nicolaisaholisticmassagetherapist withover10yearsexperience. Focusinghereffortsonwomen's healthandwellbeingNicolahas developedauniquemethodusinga combinationoftriedandtested techniquestoofferatailoredservice toherclientsincludingrelievingthe symptomsofstressandcompassion fatigue.

Contributor-Jessica Spenceley

Jessicaisatherapeuticsocial workerwithover20years experienceofhelpingadoptive parentsnavigatetheirparenting journeysusingtheattachmentbasedtraumainformedparenting approachofTBRI®

Contributor-GarethThomas Garethhasbeenasinglefoster parenttothreechildrenforseven years,andhasvolunteeredwith childrenforfourteenyears Heis currentlystudyingforadegreein psychology,withaviewto becominganeducational psychologist

How to go from Putting Out Fires to Finding Joy in Your Parenting

Written by Jessica Spenceley

Parentingachildwhohas experiencedearlyadversityand traumacanbetough.Itcanfeel likeyou’regraspingforideasand strategiesthatcanhelp,but notgettingtheactualhelpyouneed Itcan feellikemostofyourtimeisspentputting outfiresanddoingdamagecontrol.Thejoy youhopedtofeelasaparentonlycomesin smallglimpsesthatarehardtoholdonto However,itdoesn’thavetobethisway

Thetherapeuticparentingapproachof Trust-BasedRelationalIntervention®(TBRI®) canhelpyoutocreatehelpfulshiftsinyour familysothatyoucanfeelmorejoy.There aremanywaysthatTBRI®cansupportyou todothis,andagreatplacetostartiswith theConnectionPrinciples TheConnection Principlesofferyoumanystrategies,and mygotoonesarePlayfulEngagement, BehaviourMatching,andHealthyTouch.

PlayfulEngagement

Somanyofthechallengesfacedbythe parentsIworkwitharearoundhowto managetheirchild’strauma-based responses Asastartingpoint,wealways beginwithplayfulengagementbecauseit helpschildrentoincreasetrustandreduce fear-basedresponses It’salsoveryeasyto implement Allyouneedtodoisgetdown onthefloorandplaywithyourchild,orplay agamelikeGoFishorMonopoly,orbring outtheartsandcrafts,orkickarounda footballinthegarden.Playfulengagement isalsoaboutyourgeneralapproach,and beingmindfulofhowyouarecoming

across.So,evenifyourchildisateen anddoesn’twanttoplay,youcan stillapproachthemplayfully

BehaviourMatching

Behaviourmatchingisareallyeasy waytoconnectwithyourchild If yourchildissittingonthefloorwith theirlegscrossed,youwouldsiton thefloorwithyourlegscrossed If yourchildistalkingtoyouabout somethingwithaserioustone,you wouldrespondusingthesamekind oftone See,you’rematchingthem Behaviourmatchingmightseem overlysimple,butthemessages behinditaresignificant Behaviour matchingconveystoyourchildthat youseethem,thattheyexist,and thattheybelong Whenyou’ve

gottenintoachallengingpattern withyourchild,themessagingthat behaviourmatchingofferscanhelp youtoresetandgetbackontrack.

HealthyTouch

Whenthingsgetdifficultinparenting relationships,touchisoftenoneof thethingsthatlessens(oreven stops),andyoumaynotbeawareof it Touchhelpsyouandyourchildto feelconnectedtooneanother,and touchcanbeasignificantwayfor yourchildtofeelsafeandregulated

Therearealotofwaysthatyoucan connectwithyourchildina meaningfulway,notjustthrough hugsandcuddles Youmightgive yourchildahigh-5,afistbump,or createaspecialhandshake You

couldaffectionatelybumpshoulders Asyou’retalkingtoyourchild,you mightsweeptheirhairoutoftheirface, orlightlytouchtheircheek Iftouchis reallydifficultforyourchild,youmight justbeinphysicalproximitytothem, withoutmakingcontact

ThestrategiesintheConnection Principlesmayseemsmall,butthey canhaveabigimpactonyourfamily Whenyoufindyourselfinapattern whereparentingishardorwhere thingsmayevenfeelstuck,remind yourselftogobacktotheheartof parenting–connection

Connectionbuildstrust,helpsto disarmfear,andreduceschallenging behaviours Thebonusisthatwhenyou increaseyourconnectionwithyour child,youfeelmorepositivityandjoyin yourparenting It’sawin-win Start small,andusetheconnection strategiesoften

Ifyouwouldliketofindoutmoreabout TBRI®andtheConnectionPrinciples,be suretoreadTheConnectedChildby KarynPurvis,DavidCross,andWendy LyonsSunshine

Ifyouwouldliketoexperiencehow TBRI®canhelpyoumoveforwardin yourparenting,Iwouldloveto welcomeyoutooneofmyupcoming courses FindouthowTBRI®couldbring additionalhopeandhealingtoyour familytodaybyvisiting https://nurturedbelongingcom/

Throughhercompany,NurturedBelonging,Jessicahelpsadopters createastrongparentingbasefortheirchildrensothattheycanheal fromearlyadversityandtrauma Visitherwebsitetolearnhowyou,too, cangainadditionalinsightsandskillsetstoempoweryourparenting JessicaisalsoanAssociatewithTheHavenParenting&Wellbeing Centre

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The Simple Guide to Developmental Trauma

Written by Sarah Naish

Developmentaltraumaisa complexandoften misunderstoodissuethat hasitsrootsinearly childhoodexperiences.It canbedifficulttoaccept

thatachildwhohasbeenremoved atbirthmaysufferfrom developmentaltrauma,butit's importanttorecognisetheimpactof whathappenedbothinthewomb,as wellasafterthechildwasborn.

Duringpregnancy,achildis incrediblysensitivetothe environmentaroundthem.Exposure tostress,violence,andsubstance abusecanhaveaprofoundimpact ontheirdevelopingbrainand nervoussystem.Thiscanleadto long-termeffectsontheirabilityto regulateemotions,linkcauseand effect,formhealthyrelationships,and navigatetheworldaroundthem.

Oneofthekeyfactorsin developmentaltraumaisunmetneed Whenachild'sbasicneedsforsafety, security,andlovearenotmet,(ormet sporadicallyandunreliably),itcan leadtoasenseoffearpartneredwith aconstantneedtoseekoutsafety For example,ifachildwasleftalonefor longperiodsoftimetheunderlying fearisoneofbeingforgottenabout,or beinglefttogohungry.The behavioursthatpartnerupwiththis arewhatsomemightcall‘attention seekingbehaviours’.Actually,theyare ‘attachmentseekingbehaviours’as thechildisdrivenbyfeartokeepyour focusonthem

Astherapeuticparents,itisour responsibilitytohelpthesechildren feelsafeandsecure,andto understandtherootoftheir behaviours

It'simportanttorecognisethatthe effectsofdevelopmentaltraumamay notbeimmediatelyobvious,butthey canbecomemuchmoreobviouslater inlife.Sometimes,therapeuticparents canbeabitoverlyoptimisticinthe earlyyears,believingthereareno effectsofdevelopmentaltrauma,only tofindthatthissurfacesasthechild grows

DrBesselVanDerKolkidentifiedseven differentareaswhichareseverely impactedbyDevelopmentalTrauma Thediagrambelowshowstheseven differentaspectswhichareaffected ontheleft.Inthemiddle,thedifferent areasaffectedinthebrainare identified,andontheright,thereare someexamplesofwhatwemightsee inourchildren.DrBrucePerryalso identifiedthattheNeuro-Sequential modelofinterventionwasimportant

tousewithchildrensufferingfrom developmentaltrauma.Eachaspect ofthetraumaneedstobetreatedin sequence Forexample,wecannot begintostartworkingonthechild’s behavioursinaspect4,withoutfirst addressingthesurvivalbehaviours linkedtofight/flightinaspect1

Difficultyandconflictarisewhen differentpeopleinthechild’slives haveunrealisticexpectationsand workonhigheraspectswhenthe loweronesareunresolved.Itisvital thattheteamworkingwiththechild understand;

1)Wherethechildisintheiremotional development

2)Theextentandimpactoftheir developmentaltrauma

3)Theapproachtakenby immediatecaregivers,IE TherapeuticParenting

4)Theimportanceofengagingina wholeteamapproach

5)Theemotionalageofthechild,IE thedevelopmentalstagetheyare functioningat

6)Theoverallimpactofimpulsivity, lackofcauseandeffectthinking, andtheabsenceofempathyand remorseduetodelayed development

Inconclusion,itisimportantfor thoseinvolvedinachild'slifeto communicateandworktogether toensurethatexpectationsare realisticandanyunderlyingissues areaddressedbeforefocusingon higher-levelmatters Thiscanhelp preventconflictsanddifficulties fromarising,andultimatelyleadto betteroutcomesforthechild.

Want to know more on how to support a child developmental trauma?

Check out the COeCT podcast

“How to identify Developmental Trauma Disorder in your child” by clicking on this link

https://tinyurl.com/bddfm7vt

The

Sensory Issues and PTSD? It can happen to parents too!

Written By Sarah Naish

WhenIwasdiagnosedwith PTSDafewyearsagonow,I wasverysurprised Ispoke tomyfriendsaboutit They allworkinthefieldofchild traumaandtheylookedatmeasifI hadbecomequitestupid

“OfcourseyouhavePTSD!Howcan younothaveaftereverythingyou experiencedwhileraisingyour children”?

NowI'mnotsayingthatthelevelof traumaIhaveisanythinglikemy children's Iamluckythatihada securechildhood.ButIneverrealised thatifIadoptedchildrenwhohad hadaverydifficultstartinlifethatI wouldkindof‘catch’someoftheir stuff!

It'squiteinsidiousatfirsttobe honest It'sonlylookingbacknow thatIrealisethatIneverusedto jumpwhenotherpeoplejumped I didn'tusedtooverreacttoloud noisesincafesorpeoplelaughing ButIdonow.IthinkitwasbecauseI spentsolonganticipatingnoises andeventsthatmightmakemy childrenreact,thattheystarted havinganimpactonme!

OftenifIusedtowalktooclosetomy youngestdaughter,orenteraroom, shewouldjumpandsometimes throwherselfonthefloorexclaiming, “Ahhyoumademejump,”or somethingsimilar Thishappened quiteafewtimeswithquitealotof thechildren.

WhatIdidn'tknowisthatthewaythe amygdalaperceivesthreatisfrom theenvironmentandthroughthe actionsofothers Sowhenour children'samygdala'saretriggered andtheyareoverreactingthere'sa signalthatgoestoouramygdala

alertingustodanger It'snotvery longbeforewestartfeelingvery irritatedandwemayfindourselves exclaimingloudly,“Ohforgoodness sake!!”

RecentlyIvisitedthetownwhereI raisedmychildren.Ihadn'tbeen thereforsomeyears AsIwalked roundthestreets,Iremembered lotsofeventshappening

That'swherethischildgot arrestedforshoplifting

That'sthepolicestationIspent alotoftimein

That'sthepubwehadtoscrape thatchildupfromaftertheygot drunk

That'stheplacewherethischild gottakenintohospitalandwe wereatthesideoftheroadwith theparamedics

AsIcontinuedroundIjustfeltmore andmoreunwell Mystomachwas churningandIhadabad headache.Isoldieredon determinedtoignorethefeelings I

clothesforexample Iremember thinkingthatIknewwhythiswas happening Iknewtherewere traumatriggersallovertheplace.I wonderedhowthismightfeelifI wereachild?Iwouldhavethesame feelingsinmybodybutIwouldhave noideaaboutwhyitwas happening Ithought,“IfIwas experiencingthisandIdidn'tknow why,Iwouldprobablyliedownon thefloorandscream”.

ItoldmyhusbandhowIwasfeeling andweleftthetown

Thisexperiencegavemeavery valuablereminderabouthow difficultlifeisforourchildren Ican managemylowlevel PTSDand traumatriggersbecauseI'mvery traumaaware Theimportantthing istobekindtoyourselfandtolisten towhatyourbodyistellingyou.If yourbodytellsyoutotakeabreak ormoveawayfromsomethingthen doit

Wedon’thavetostruggleon regardless

Photo: ©Coect via canva.com

Unravelling the Tension: How Massage Therapy Can Help Reduce Stress and Improve Well-being

Written By Nicola Crabb

Stressisanunderrated causeofmanyissueswe faceinlife;thebreakdown ofrelationships,jobs, parentchildrelationships

andmore Whenwearestressed ourbodiesreleasehormones cortisolandadrenalinewhichcan floodoursystem,affectingour hearts,lymph,circulationand muscles,leavingusinastateof fightorflight. Overtimethis becomesthebody’snormalstate effectingcognitivefunctionand abilitytohandlewhatlifethrowsat us.

Stresscanberesponsiblefor autoimmunediseases,chronic pain,mentalhealthproblemssuch asanxiety&depression,personality disorders,ADHD,OCD,weightgain, heartproblems,andjointand muscleissues.Itcanleadto DementiaandAlzheimer’s,orother cognitiveandmemoryissues Stresscanpermeatemanyareasof lifeandcanhaltourabilitytoenjoy orevenrememberourfavourite things,forgettolistentoour favouritemusic,todance,totake joyinpeople,food,activities; sometimesrobbingusofyears Interestinglyittakesthebody monthsorsometimesyearsto regulateitselfafteraperiodof stress Anystress,butparticularly prolongedstresscancause massiveimbalanceinthebody

Thepositivetoourmodernsociety iswearetalkingmoreaboutstress; thereisanawarenessofhow dealingwithlifestressescanlimit thepossibilitiesofdis-easewithin thebody Thenegativeisthat westernsocietystillcelebrates stress,whoisthemoststressed, mostrushedofftheirfeet,thistoxic

societalideaispinningabadge ofhonouronthe‘moststressed’ person.

Holistictherapyincluding massagechallengesthisnorm& promotesbalanceover imbalance Studiesonrest,sleep, dietandselfcare(massage)are provingevermorethatthese elementsinbalanceare imperativeforahealthymind andbodybothshortandlong term,qualityoflifeisinthe spotlightrightnow.

Massageinparticular,hasshown someinterestingresultsin managingstresslevelsand preventingitfrombecoming chronicordevelopinginto somethingmoresinister Regular massagenotonlyeasestight muscles,itaidslymphaticflow, improvescirculation&promotes restandsleep,itencourages detoxificationandreleases happyhormonesbringingthe wholebodybackintouch, connectingwhatcanfeellike separatepartstogetheragain.

Massagingthefeetcanaffect

thegut,lungsandotherinternal organs.Massaginghandscan relievetensioninthehead;we aresointricatelyconnected Whenwerecognisethisthrough receivingmassageitbringsa senseofclarityandmindfulness, encouragingustomakebetter lifechoicesingeneral,tohave thebalancedmealinsteadofthe fries,drinkthewaterbeforethe coffee,massagebringsusback toamindfulstate Whenweare actinginastateofimbalance (stress)wecansnowballinto negativeroutinesandbehaviour patternssuchasbingeeating, badsleepandneglectingour mindsandbodies.

Icanrememberinmymassage training(manymoonsago) learningtowarnclientsin aftercarethattheymaybecome teary,emotionaloreven temporarilydepressedfollowing massagetreatment.WhenI lookeddeeperintothisIbegan discoveringthedirectlinks betweenmassageonstress levels,learningthatevenahand ontheshouldercanbringstress

Photo: © Branimir76 from Getty Images via canva.com

releasetothehumanbody,Ifeltthe possibilitiestotreatpeopleusingthe artofmassagewereboundless Regularmassageregulates adrenalineandcortisolatthesame timeencouragingthebodyto naturallyreleasehappyhormones suchasdopamine,serotonin, endorphinsandoxytocin,assisting thebodytoregulateitselfandreach homeostasis Ibegantoseehow professionalmassage,practicedby someonetrainedinphysiologyand anatomycoulddeeplyaffectthe bodyandmind Physicaltouchin massageisproventohavemany benefits,whenyoucombinethiswith theuseofoils,inparticular aromatherapyoilswhichhavealso beenusedforthousandsofyearsto aidinbodybalancetheresultscan belifechanging Ihavefocusedon thispracticeforoveradecade, combiningmassageandthecareful blendofessentialoilstorelease trappedstresshormonesandbring thebodybackinbalance

Differentculturesaroundtheworld swearbymassageforwellbeing,itis commonforfamilymembersto massageeachother,foreldersto passtheskillsdownthroughthe generations,andforpeopletocome

togetherforgroupmassageparticularly focusingonthevulnerableintheir communitiestheirbabies,elderlyandsick, tokeeptheminthebesthealthcondition possible Massage,inWesternculture,is oftenviewedeitherasaluxurious indulgence,cueInstagramimagesof perfectlyplacedlotusflowersandexpensive spasettings,orassexualforeplay.This diminishesthetruevalueofmassageasan

artanditsprofoundimpacton physicalandmentalwell-beingin achievingbodybalance

Stresscanbetherootcauseof manyissuesinourlives,affecting ourrelationships,jobs,and overallwell-being.Butwedon't havetoletstresscontrolus By takingcareofourselveswithrest, sleep,diet,andself-carepractices likemassage,wecanfindbalance andpreventstressfrombecoming chronic Massagecandowonders forourbodies,easingtension, improvingcirculation,and promotingrestfulsleep Italso helpsusrecognisethe interconnectednessofourbodies andminds,bringingusbacktoa stateofmindfulness

Withthehelpofprofessional massageandaromatherapyoils, wecanreleasetrappedstress hormonesandfindtruebalancein ourlivesandtakecontrolofour stresslevels.

Youcanfindmore informationonNicola’s MassageTherapyvia TheHavenParenting andWellbeingCentre.

wwwthehavencentrecouk

Photo: ©thehavenparentingandwellbeingcentre.

WHAT'S ON? COECT EVENTS

March 2024 - May 2024

PEERSUPPORTSGO/KINSHIPVIRTUAL LISTENINGCIRCLE

INFORMATIONSESSIONS FORNEWVOLUNTEERS

Monday18thMarch 1.00pm-2.00pm

SGO/KinshipCarerVirtualListeningCircle

Wednesday20thMarch8.00pm-9.00pm

https://tinyurl.com/5eaxrnyy

https://www.naotp.com/events/natpvolunteer-information-session-18-3-24

Tuesday16thApril 9.30am-10.30am

https://wwwnaotpcom/events/natpvolunteer-information-session

IN-PERSONLISTENING CIRCLES

NorthamptonshireListeningCircle

Thursday21stMarch

https://tinyurlcom/yrsy2wcw

RugbyListeningCircle

Tuesday2ndApril

https://tinyurlcom/4yxa6khk

CORPORATE INFORMATION SESSIONS

Wednesday27thMarch-11am

https://tinyurl.com/7ehxnad4

Wednesday10thApril –11am

https://tinyurlcom/42pnuhys

Wednesday24thApril–2pm

https://tinyurl.com/ptbveb22

Wednesday8thMay –11am

https://tinyurlcom/mwsuayp8

Friday29thMay–2pm

https://tinyurl.com/26n8tb3v

Ourvolunteerskeepusinformedabouttheirweeklylistening circles.StaytunedtotheeventspageontheNATPwebsitefor detailsonallupcominglisteningsessions.

WHAT'S ON? COECT EVENTS

March 2024 - May 2024

ONLINETRAINING

The A-ZofSurvivalStrategiesWebinars

IfTheA-ZofTherapeuticParenting:StrategiesandSolutionsisyourroadmapofstrategiesthrough tosuccessfuladulthoodforyourchildren,thenTheA-ZofSurvivalStrategieswillbeyourhotflaskof teaorcoffeeandacosyblanketwhichwillkeepyouwarm,safeandwellonyourjourney!

JoinusforourinteractiveLIVEwebinarsbasedonthisbook,hereyouwillfindstrategiesfor essentialmaintenanceassooftenwealloverlookcaringforourselves!

Tobookgotohttps://www.traumarevolution.co.uk/events

AttachmentStyle –Wednesday6thMarch, 10:00-11:00GMT

InthisinsightfulwebinarLauradelvesintothecrucialconceptofattachmentstyle,offering practicalguidancefortherapeuticparentsnavigatingthecomplexitiesofnurturinghealthy attachmentswiththeirchildren.Thissectionprofoundlyequipsreaderswiththetoolsto understand,nurture,andstrengthencrucialparent-childattachments,fosteringhealingand resiliencewithinthefamilyunit.

Birthdays –Wednesday13thMarch,10:00–11:00GMT

InthiswebinardedicatedtoBirthdaysyouwillbelookingthroughtheuniquechallengesand considerationsthatarisewhencelebratingbirthdaysinatherapeuticparentingcontext From managingexpectationsandtriggerstofosteringasenseofbelongingandjoy,wewillprovide valuableinsightsonhowtonavigatethisimportantmilestoneinatherapeuticandsupportive manner

Blame–Monday18thMarch,10:00–11:00GMT

Intheenlighteningsessiondedicatedto"Blame"inSarahNaish'sbook,The A-ZofSurvivalStrategiesforTherapeuticParents,wewillguideyouthrough thecomplexemotionsandchallengessurroundingthetendencytoassign blameinparentingsituations.Thissectionofthebookservesasapowerful toolforparents,empoweringthemtobreakfreefromthecycleofblame andcreateamorecompassionateandsupportiveenvironmentfor themselvesandtheirchildren.

Boundaries–Tuesday26thMarch,10:00–11:00GMT

Joinusforthisweek’swebinaronBoundariesbasedonSarahNaish'sbook, TheA-ZofSurvivalStrategies Learnhowtoestablishandmaintainhealthy boundariesinallareasofyourlife.Discoverpracticaltipsandstrategiesto protectyourselffromburnoutandimproveyouroverallwell-being

CatastrophicThinking-Tuesday9thApril,10:00-11:00GMT

JoinusforawebinaronCatastrophicThinkingbasedontheteachingsfromSarahNaish'sbookThe A-ZofSurvivalStrategies Learnhowtoidentifyandchallengenegativethoughtpatternsthatlead tocatastrophicbeliefsanddiscoverpracticalstrategiesforovercomingfear,anxiety,and uncertainty Thiswebinarwillprovidevaluableinsightsandtoolstohelpyounavigatedifficult situationswithresilienceandstrength.

WHAT'S ON? COECT EVENTS

March 2024 - May 2024

ONLINETRAINING

TraumaRevolutionWebinars

SexualisedBehaviour-28July,12:00–13:00BST

Co-Regulation-Monday15thApril,10:00-11:00GMT

Itcanbeveryfrightening,evenhorrifying,tocomeacrossaveryyoungchildwhois,or,appearstobe,sexually knowledgeableandactive;butifwecanputasideourownhorrorandrevulsionandseewhatthebehaviouris reallytellingus,wecanatleaststartoffwiththerightmindset

Shame–1 August,10:00–11:00BST

JoinusforatransformativewebinaronCo-RegulationinspiredbySarahNaish'sgroundbreaking book,TheA-ZofSurvivalStrategies.Discoverpracticalstrategiestoregulateyouremotionsand connectmoredeeplywithothers,especiallywhenfacedwithchallenges.Learnhowtobuild resilience,fosterhealthyrelationships,andnavigatedifficultsituationswithgraceandcompassion.

ConflictedFeelingsandDisempowerment-Monday22ndApril,10:00-11:00GMT

JoinLauraforaone-hourlivewebinaronShame.Shameisapowerfulandpervasiveemotionforchildren.This webinarwillexplorethereasonsbehindshame,howitmanifestsinchildren,andstrategiesforsupporting childrentoovercomethisdebilitatingemotion ThewebinarwillalsofeatureaQ&Asession,wherewewill answeryourquestionsandprovideinsightsintohowtohelpyourchild

SiblingRivalry-10August,10:00-11:00BST

Joinusforawebinarexploringconflictedfeelingsanddisempowermentbasedoninsightsfrom SarahNaish'sbook"TheA-ZofSurvivalStrategies"Learnhowtonavigatethroughdifficult emotionsandregainasenseofempowermentinyourlife Gainvaluabletoolsandstrategiesto helpyouovercomechallengesandthrive Don'tmissoutonthisinformativeandtransformative webinar!

Obsessionsoftenhappenbecauseourchildrenstruggletobestilland'comfortableintheirownskin’When theyarestill,thetrauma,anxietyandemptinessseembiggerandmakethemfeeluncomfortable,drivento actionandtofindadistraction.Joinusforthislivewebinarwithmanyusefulstrategiessurrounding obsessions

DoubtandEmbarrassment-Thursday2ndMay,10:00-11:00GMT

Joinusforawebinarexploringthetopicsofdoubtandembarrasment,basedonSarahNaish's bookTheA-ZofSurvivalStrategies.Inthissession,wewilldelveintohowdoubtand embarrasmentcanimpactourlivesandrelationships,andlearnpracticalstrategiesfor overcomingthesechallengingemotions.

EmptyNestandLettingGo-Tuesday7thMay,10:00-11:00GMT

Joinusforathought-provokingwebinaronEmptyNestandLettingGo,inspiredbySarahNaish's bookTheA-ZofSurvivalStrategies Discoverstrategiestonavigatethechallengingtransitionof yourchildrenleavinghomeandreclaimingyouridentityinthisinsightfulandempoweringsession Whetheryouareaparentfacinganemptynestorsupportsomeonewhois,thiswebinarwill provideyouwithpracticaltoolsandguidancetoembracethisnewchapteroflifewithgraceand confidence.Don'tmissthisopportunitytolearnfromSarahNaish'sexpertiseandconnectwith othersonasimilarjourney.

EmpathyandEmpathicListening-Thursday16thMay,10:00-11:00GMT

JoinusforawebinaronEmpathicListening,basedontheprinciplesoutlinedinSarahNaish'sbook TheA-ZofSurvivalStrategies Learnhowtotrulyconnectwithothersbyunderstandingand validatingtheiremotions,thoughts,andexperiences Thiswebinarwillprovidepracticaltipsand strategiesforimprovingyourlisteningskillsandenhancingyourrelationships Don'tmissthis opportunitytocultivateempathyandcreatedeeperconnectionswiththosearoundyou

EssentialMaintenance,Wednesday22ndMay,10:00-11:00GMT

JoinusforawebinarwithSarahNaish,authorofTheA-ZofSurvivalStrategies,asshediscusses essentialmaintenancetipsforcaregiversandparentsofchildrenwithcomplexneeds.Learn practicalstrategiestohelpyoumaintainyourownwell-beingwhileprovidingthebestcareforyour child Don'tmissthisopportunitytogainvaluableinsightsandsupportfromaleadingexpertinthe field

Relieve the symptoms of compassion fatigue, including burnout

If you're a parent, carer or an individual in a supporting role who is struggling with the emotional toll of compassion fatigue, attending a day retreat might be just what you need. Here are six reasons why you should consider going:

1 Self-Care and Rejuvenation: You can't pour from an empty cup. A day retreat gives you a chance to step back from the daily grind and focus on yourself. By prioritising self-care, you can recharge and feel renewed.

2. Reflection and Awareness: It's easy to get lost in the demands of caregiving. Our retreat provides a quiet and reflective environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings related to compassion fatigue By gaining insight into your emotional well-being, you can take proactive steps to improve it.

3. Learn Coping Strategies: You don't have to go it alone. A compassion fatigue day retreat includes a morning workshop led by our practitioners with expertise in the area You'll learn practical coping strategies to manage stress, reduce burnout, and boost your overall well-being.

4. Connect with Others: It can be isolating to care for others, especially if you feel like no one understands what you're going through. Our Day Retreat provides a supportive community of like-minded individuals who can offer validation, comfort, and companionship

5. Mindfulness and Relaxation: Being in a constant state of stress takes a toll on your body and mind. At our Day Retreat, you'll have the opportunity to practice mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques. These practices can help reduce stress, boost emotional resilience, and promote a sense of calm

6. Permission to Rest: We often feel guilty about taking time for themselves. A retreat gives you permission to prioritise your own needs without feeling selfish. By taking care of yourself, you'll be better equipped to care for others.

Attending a compassion fatigue day retreat is a proactive step toward maintaining your wellbeing while continuing to care for others. You deserve to feel supported, renewed, and empowered. To find out more about the day and our upcoming locations go to https://www.thehavencentre.co.uk/dayretreats

ASKTHEEXPERTS

Letourteamofexpertswithfirst-handexperience,guideyouthroughsomeofthosetrickyTIP moments!

SC from Weymouth asks; My adopted son is 7 years old He literally never sits still I think he must have ADHD but I don't want him to take medication What should I do?

SarahNaishreplies

Ithinkwehave tobevery carefulabout rushinginto diagnosiswhen weknowthatour childrenhave experienced trauma.Asyour

sonisadoptedit'sverylikely thatthisisindeedthecase. WeknowthatADHDisoften mimickedbychildrenwho haveexperiencedtrauma, duetothehighlevelof cortisolintheirbodyandthe enhancedfight/flight response.

Althoughsometimesa diagnosisisuseful,inmany casestherapeuticparenting helpsustoreallyhelpour children Ifwethinkaboutthe levelsofanxietyand ‘busyness’whichismasking theanxiety,wecanhelpour childrenbymakingsurewe areveryclearwithroutines boundariesandstructure Visiblewallplannershelpour childrentoseewhatis happeningnextandalso lowersanxiety Withmy childrenIusedtousealotof highmovementactivities For example,wehada trampolinewhichtheywould bounceonthatwouldhelp themtoregulate Wealso foundthatahottubinthe

gardenwasreallygreatfor helpingthechildrentocalm.

Mostimportantly,Iexplained tomychildrenaboutwhy theyfeltsobusyand compelledtomoveallthe time.Icalledtheadrenaline andcortisol“busyjuice”.This helpedmychildrenasthey movedintoadulthoodto keepthemselvesregulated Youcanreadmoreabout strategiesinthe‘A-Zof TherapeuticParenting’, whereIspeakindepthabout thissubject

Consistency,Predictability, Reliability

Thislowersourchildren’sfear basedbehavioursandstartsto helpthemtoexitfight/flight. Itdoestakealongtimethoughso bepreparedforthat,andstartby usingnicebigvisualwallplanners toreduceanxiety.

Doyouhaveaquestionaboutacertain behaviouryourchilddisplaysora situationwhichseemstricky?Writeinto usviatheemailtips@coectcouktoget yourquestionansweredintheAskthe Expertssection.

Meet DavidWhy a child may struggle with school

Written By Gareth Thomas

MeetDavid

He's12yearsold, andhe'sabadkid

HestartedathisschoolinYear7, alongwithallthekidswhomoved upfromtheirprimaryschools And despiteschooltryingeverything,he constantlydisruptsthelearningof themajorityofthekidsinhis classes

Quiteoften,he'srudetoschool staff Sometimeshe'sphysically abusive Somedays,hedoesn'tgo tolessonsatall

Thestaffatschoolhaveworked hardtohelphim Afewhave workedtirelessly

They'vehadafewnicechatswith him,andherunsaway Theyput himindetention,andhedoesn't turnup.Theygivehimisolation,and hejustsitsthere.Theyexcludefor himaday,ortwo,orthree Nothing works

He'sgivenlotsofnegative behaviourpoints,sohe'sleftinno doubtaboutbeingabadkid

Thisseemsharsh.But,schoolsay, hehastolearn

“We’reworriedabouthisbehaviour. Wefearforhissafety.Andwehave tothinkofthesafetyofeveryone aroundhimtoo”

“It'ssimple”,schoolsay.“Davidjust needstobehave,listentothe teachers anddoashe’stold”

Davidis...defiant.

Onlyafewmembersofstaffhad

thetimetoreadDavid’sfilewhenhe startedatschool.

Onlyonerememberswhatwas written Whenhewas10,justtwo yearsago,Davidcameintocare.

Sincethen,he'smovedtofour differentfosterhomes,andthree differentschools.He'shadeight socialworkers,threeIROs,two advocates,andabunchofother peoplehecan'tremember

Hedoesremembertheladywith curlyhair,whoactuallylistened And thensheleft Hehasn’tseenher sinceanddoesn’tknowwhereshe’s gone.

NoneoftheadultsDavidknewsix monthsagoarearoundanymore. Notasingleperson.

Hetrustsnobody

Ofcoursehedoesn’t.

Andhereallyneedssomebodyhe cantrust

Ifhecouldfindsomeonesafe,he mightstarttofeelsafe.

Hemightfeelcalmermoreoften He mightmakeafewfriends.

Andthenmaybehemightcometo schoolfeelingalittlepositiveabout thedayahead,despitetheunknown

ofhome

Withapersonhecantrusthemight openupandsharewhyschoolcanbe sotough

Hemighttellthemsomeofthescary thingsfromhispastthathehasn’t toldanyone

Hemightsharethatadultshurthimin thepast

Hemightsayheworrieshe'llbe hungryagain.Andthathedoesn't knowifhisMumisOK

Withsomeonehereallytrusts,he mightfeelsafeenoughtosharewhat happenedwhenhewas7

Quickchatswon'thelpDavid. Detentionswon'thelpDavid. Isolationswon'thelpDavid Exclusionswon'thelpDavid Behaviourchartswon'thelpDavid.

Relationships,connection,trust, understanding That'swhatheneeds

YoumightseeDavidasanedgecase Theexceptiontothemajority

TherearemoreDavidsthanyou wouldliketothink.

Theyallneedsomeonetheycantrust

Photo: ©coect via canva.

TRAUMA INFORMED QUALIFICATIONS

AtInspireTrainingwehaveasuiteofqualificationstosupportparentsandsupporting professionalswhoworkwithchildrenwhohaveexperiencedadversechildhood experiencesorwhodisplayneurodiversecharacteristics.

Formoreinformationonoursuiteoftraumainformedqualificationsgoto https://tinyurlcom/yc73vp9z

NATP VIEWPOINT New Live Training for NATP!

NATPhasrecentlystarted newin-persontraining sessionsfocusingon therapeuticparentingand trauma-informedpractice Thesetrainingsessionsare

aimedatprovidingparentsand professionalswiththenecessaryskills andknowledgetosupportchildren whohaveexperiencedadverse childhoodexperiences

AsamemberofNATP,youare entitledtoarangeofbenefits, includinga50%discountonallNATP In-personandonlinelivetraining coursesandonefreewebinarper month.Experiencedprofessionalsin thefieldfacilitatethetrainingcourses andcovervarioustopicsrelatedto therapeuticparentingandtraumainformedpractice.

Byattendingthesetrainingsessions, youwillgainvaluableinsight, techniquesandstrategiesfor supportingchildrenwhohave experiencedtrauma Youwillalsobe abletonetworkwithotherparents facingsimilarchallengesandreceive ongoingsupportandguidancefrom theNATPcommunity

Whocanbenefitfromourtraining?

Parentsandsupportingprofessionals, andcoversarangeoftraining elements,includingcoretrainingheld quarterlynationwideandonline Ourcomprehensivetrainingprogram isdesignedtoempowerparentsand supportingprofessionalswiththe knowledgeandskillstheyneedto makeapositiveimpactinthelivesof childrenandyoungpeople Ourcore trainingsessions,heldquarterly nationwideandonline,coverawide rangeoftopicsincludingchild development,emotionalregulation, communicationstrategies,and mentalhealthawareness By participatinginourprogram,youwill gainpracticalinformationandtools

tosupportyourchild'sgrowthand developmentandfeelconfidentin yourabilitytonavigatethe challengesofparentingand supportingyoungpeople Signup todayandjoinacommunityoflikemindedindividualsdedicatedto makingadifferenceinthelivesof childrenandyoungpeople

CoreTraining

Thefollowingarethecoretraining coursesthatwillbeincluded:

IntroductiontoTherapeutic Parenting

Discovertheprofounddifference betweenstandardparentingand therapeuticparentingthroughthis course Immerseyourselfinthe reasonswhythechildrenyoucare forneedtherapeuticparentingand gainessentialknowledgefor pursuingfurthercoursesrelatedto P.A.C.E,attachment,andtheeffects oftrauma Letthiscoursebeyour steppingstonetowards understandingthepowerof therapeuticparentingandits significanceinthelivesofthe childrenyoucarefor

IntroductiontoAttachment

Thiscourseempowersparentsand professionalswiththeknowledge andinsighttounderstandthe criticalroleofsecureattachmentin

theearliestyearsoflife.

Participantswillgainadeeper understandingofwhyattachment disordersoccurandlearnhowto identifydifferenttypesof attachmentdifficultiesand behaviours Mostimportantly,you willacquirepracticaltherapeutic parentingstrategiestohelpyou providethenurturingand supportiveenvironmentyourchild needstothrive

IntroductiontoDe-escalation techniques

Thiscoursewillexploresthe possiblerootcausesofviolent behaviourexhibitedbychildren andenablesparentsandcarers toimplementearlyinterventions andde-escalationstrategiesto supportthechild’semotional dysregulation Parentsandcarers willbeequippedwithpractical toolstoensurethesafetyofthe childandavoidconflicts.The coursealsoexplorestheimpactof suchbehaviouronparentsand discoverstheimportanceofselfcare.

RecognisingCompassion FatigueforParents

Thiscourseaimstohelpparents recognisetheimpactof compassionfatigueandvalidate theiremotionsandreactionswhile workingwithchildrenwith

Photo: ©Coect via Canva

DevelopmentalTraumaorwho displayneurodiverse characteristics.Thecourse focusesonself-awarenessas thekeytoimplementing successfulstrategies Parents andcaregiverswillgaina deeperunderstandingof SecondaryTraumaandlearn howtoavoidcompassion fatigueinthefuture.

RecognisingCompassion FatigueforProfessionals Inthiscourse,wewillteachyou thetherapeuticparentingmodel (TRUE)®,acollaborativeand supportiveapproachtoworking withparents.Youwilllearnhow toengageinintensive therapeuticworkwithparentsto helpthemcreateamore nurturingenvironmentfortheir children.Additionally,wewill provideyouwiththenecessary skillsandknowledgetomakea positiveimpactonthelivesof childrenwhohaveexperienced earlylifetrauma,orwhodisplay neurodiversecharacteristics, andtheirfamilies.

Inadditiontothis...

Amonthlywebinarisheldtwicea month,onceduringthedayand onceintheevening.Topicswill includethoseinspiredbyCoECT's TraumaInformedParenting magazine,seasonaltopics,and requestsfromNATPmembers. Pleasetakeamomenttocheck outourdedicatedtrainingpage

There,youwillfindacomprehensive anduser-friendlylistofallthe trainingprogramsthatweoffer!

Tobookyourtraining,simplycontact Danielle,ourTrainingManagerat NATP Shewillguideyouthroughthe processofbookingtrainingwithus viainfo@coectcouk

Photo: ©Coect via Canva

Date: Thursday 20th June 2024

Time: 10:00 am - 3:00

Sarah Naish

Sarah Dillon

Jane Mitchell