Overcoming Adversity — Trauma and the Developing Brain

Through expert testimony and personal stories of resilience, participants learn the impact of long-term activation of the stress-response system, how trauma impacts the developing mind, attachment theory, the prevalence of childhood trauma, and research on strategies for breaking cycles of abuse. Participants also receive access to programs suitable for teens ages 14 and up. Recommended companion for SMHL, Suicide Prevention and Postvention, and 5 Minute Mindfulness™.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Understand the definition and clinical presentation of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) through expert documentary film interviews
• Recognize the common comorbidities associated with trauma
• Understand the connection between long-term activation of the stress-response system and the developing mind
• Apply theoretical knowledge of attachment theory to practical clinical scenarios through an in-depth case presentation
• Identify strategies for reducing toxic stress and effectively mitigating the risk created by trauma

EVIDENCE BASE & DEPLOYMENT

The Sharpen OA course has been deployed since 2017 across multiple settings: as a technology resiliency toolkit for over 500 veterans, as a professional development training program for more than 5,000 foster parents, as part of required health worker training, and as the trauma component of Sharpen®'s mental health literacy training program for college students, athletes, and coaches (Hussa-Farrell, Farrell & Witt, 2021). Key references include: Felitti et al. (1998) ACE Study; van der Kolk (2003, 2005); Cohen, Mannarino & Deblinger (2006); Siegel (2010); Siegel & Bryson (2011); Bhushan et al., CA Surgeon General (2020).