Answers to Trauma-Sensitive Questions in Ms. Jen’s Quick Guides
I teach trauma-sensitive teams how to notice the need and meet the need with individuals, groups, and entire school systems. Often, educators in live seminars respond with really good questions. Other folks likely have similar wonderings but may not be present for my responses. That’s why I’ve created new quick guides co-authored with different trauma-informed […]
Moving from Reactivity to Intentionality
This school year I’ve asked educators to consider what they’d like to move away from and what they’d like to move towards as they continue to build trauma-sensitive schools. Many have shared that they would like their teams to shift from reactivity to intentionality in their trauma-sensitive practices. I have responded with an enthusiastic, “Yes, […]
Addressing Pandemic Schooling Behavior
My early parenting years inspired this piece. As a new mom to a six-year-old, I never rocked my girl to sleep as an infant or toddler. When she moved in, we had no established bedtime rhythm together, and nights were not easy for either one of us. If you’ve ever cared for a little one […]
Unpacking Big Stress with Rock, Paper, Scissors
Big stress is impacting educators—it’s influenced by a lack of substitute teachers, student behavior concerns, heated conflicts (e.g., over mask mandates, how history should be taught, or affirming gender identities), and more. Together, it creates distress that can increase school personnel’s vulnerability for burnout. That’s because ruptures in relationships take a toll. Many educators feel […]
Trauma-Informed Play Therapy: Attunement is Key
Play therapy is a powerful approach to working with children, including those who have experienced trauma. As a school-based registered play therapist, I’ve used play therapy in my work with both children and adolescents. What is play therapy, and how does it benefit youth? Also, what is trauma-informed play therapy? And, how might licensed professionals […]
Questions for Trauma-Sensitive Decision-Making
A shorter version of “Questions for Trauma-Sensitive Decision-Making” was included on the Attachment & Trauma Network’s blog in the fall of 2020. Read it to explore four questions that will help you make trauma-sensitive decisions during the pandemic and beyond. The 2020/2021 school year during a pandemic is stressful for many school leaders, educators, families, […]
Trauma-Sensitive Student Support
After watching my webinar with Brookes Publishing that shares this title, read this post to explore eleven activities designed for youth and their caregivers. Use them to provide trauma-sensitive student support during school closures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic is causing worry and fear for youth, families, and educators. Each person’s reactions […]
The Iceberg of Trauma Includes Oppression
I wrote an earlier version of this post about oppression as trauma in 2019 and revised it in 2020. That’s when I added the resources for learning more at the bottom. It’s important to keep learning as well as acting for growth and change. Often, trauma is described as an iceberg, meaning the signs we […]
Why Trauma-Sensitive Schools?
I’m very excited to help kick-off the Attachment & Trauma Network’s 2017 “Educating Traumatized Children” Summit by sharing why trauma-sensitive schools are so important. I also have a resource to give you. Childhood trauma negatively affects at least one in four students in every single classroom, every day. Learn more about how trauma affects student […]
Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools
Welcome, I’m so glad you’re here! Perhaps you’re wondering, “Why should educators be building trauma-sensitive schools?” And, “Who is Ms. Jen?” Let’s dive into answers to both questions below. Who is Ms. Jen? Let me start by saying that I’m a teacher who believes that educators can make a positive difference with all students–one relationship […]
