ABSTRACT

The prevalence of trauma permeates America’s families, and no one is immune to its impact. Natural disasters, community and institutional violence, adverse childhood experiences—these events impact the developing brains and bodies of our youth. This book for parents and educators pulls together the research on adverse childhood experiences and other traumatic events, positive psychology and resilience to provide parents and educators specific tools to help their trauma-impacted children move from surviving to thriving. Presented in an easy-to-read, conversational style, Healing the Heart uses evidence-based strategies, inspirational stories and role-playing scenarios to provide parents and educators the information and tools needed to heal the negative impact of traumatic events. With specific strategies to address diverse forms of trauma and diverse populations, this book is a must-read resource for anyone wanting to reestablish safety, increase resilience and help heal the long-term impact of trauma.

chapter |4 pages

Introduction

part I|40 pages

From ACEs to Natural Disasters

chapter Chapter 1|12 pages

The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences

chapter Chapter 2|10 pages

Beyond Your Control

chapter Chapter 3|11 pages

How Humans Respond to Stress

chapter Chapter 4|4 pages

Through My Eyes

Conversations With a Trauma-Impacted Adult—Tina's Story

part II|36 pages

Toxic Stress and the Developing Brain

chapter Chapter 5|15 pages

Trauma and the Brain

chapter Chapter 6|13 pages

Trauma, Emotions, and Behavior

chapter Chapter 7|4 pages

Through My Eyes

Conversations With a Trauma-Impacted Teen—Jorge's Story

part III|47 pages

Rebuilding Safety

chapter Chapter 8|17 pages

Creating Safety

chapter Chapter 9|11 pages

Relationships Matter

chapter Chapter 10|8 pages

Seeing Past the Trauma

chapter Chapter 11|7 pages

Through My Eyes

Conversations With Trauma-Impacted Children—A Middle School Focus Group

part IV|48 pages

From Surviving to Thriving

chapter Chapter 12|15 pages

Thriving at Home

chapter Chapter 13|13 pages

Thriving at School

chapter Chapter 14|10 pages

Thriving in the World

chapter Chapter 15|4 pages

Through My Eyes

Conversations With a Trauma-Impacted Adult—Kendo's Story

chapter |2 pages

Final Thoughts