Teri Wellbrock Trauma-warrior, International Podcaster, Writer, Speaker, Therapy Dog Handler

 ACEs is the acronym for adverse childhood experiences. ACEs Too High defines ACEs as, “ACEs are adverse childhood experiences that harm children’s developing brains and lead to changing how they respond to stress and damaging their immune systems so profoundly that the effects show up decades later. ACEs cause much of our burden of chronic disease, most mental illness, and are at the root of most violence.” More information can be found at: https://acestoohigh.com/aces-101/

According to the American Psychological Association, trauma is defined as, “Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape or natural disaster. Immediately after the event, shock and denial are typical. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea. While these feelings are normal, some people have difficulty moving on with their lives. Psychologists can help these individuals find constructive ways of managing their emotions.” More information can be found at: http://www.apa.org/topics/trauma/

An important distinction in defining trauma is beautifully defined as, “Traumatic experiences often involve a threat to life or safety, but any situation that leaves you feeling overwhelmed and isolated can be traumatic, even if it doesn’t involve physical harm. It’s not the objective facts that determine whether an event is traumatic, but your subjective emotional experience of the event. The more frightened and helpless you feel, the more likely you are to be traumatized.” More information can be found at: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/ptsd-trauma/coping-with-emotional-and-psychological-trauma.htm

As defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, ”According to SAMHSA’s concept of a trauma-informed approach, ‘A program, organization, or system that is trauma-informed:

1. Realizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery;
2. Recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others involved with the system;
3. Responds fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices; and
4. Seeks to actively resist re-traumatization.

A trauma-informed approach can be implemented in any type of service setting or organization and is distinct from trauma-specific interventions or treatments that are designed specifically to address the consequences of trauma and to facilitate healing.” More information can be found at: https://www.samhsa.gov/nctic/trauma-interventions

Healing is defined in its simplest terms as a restoration of health or balance. Healing can include physical, emotional, psychological, mental, and spiritual. Our bodies can become stuck in the fight/flight/freeze response after experiencing a traumatic incident and/or toxic stress.  This can result in wide range of unhealthy symptoms, such as panic attacks, flashbacks, dissociation, anxiety, sleeping disorders, and more. See the National Center for Biotechnology Information trauma-informed care site for more information at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207191/

Healing is a journey involving:

• learning to create healthy habits
• structuring a coping skills toolbox filled with easily accessible resources (for example: yoga, nature hikes, breathing strategies, meditation, and more)
• instilling positivity and hope-filled affirmations into a daily practice
• seeking out professional help, as needed, for guidance
• utilizing non-judgmental observations and gentle reminders for re-centering
• learning to disarm the physiological response(s)
• looking for beauty
• living a life of gratitude
• learning to forgive
• connecting with others through sharing your story

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a therapy modality originally utilized to treat the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Therapy involves eye movement or other bilateral stimulation to help trauma survivors process memories and experiences. More information can be found at the EMDR Institute at: http://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/