What are some effective ways to implement trauma-informed practices in your school?

One way to bring trauma-informed practice to schools is to simply raise awareness and educate children and caregivers on the human nervous system. I have been doing that for years now, and I have realized that when people understand their brain, which in my field of psychiatry is known as " psychoeducation", it can have a tremendous impact on the way people behave around certain mental health problems or challenges. When it comes to trauma, schools should understand that stress is among the leading causes of learning disorders. Trauma also tends to introduce a lot of sharp affect such as shame, isolation, and depression.

Signs of trauma in children may manifest: Behavioral Changes: Increased aggression, irritability, withdrawal, or difficulty concentrating. Emotional Responses: fear, sadness,anxiety, or anger that seem disproportionate to situation. Physical Symptoms:headaches,stomachaches, or other unexplained ailments. Sleep Disturbances:nightmares,frequent waking up. Regression:Reverting developmental stages, bedwetting or thumb-sucking. Social Withdrawal:Avoidance of social interactions or activities they enjoyed. Hyperarousal:Heightened sensitivity leading to easily triggered stress responses. Difficulty in School:Decline academic performance,motivation,frequent absences. Reenactment:Repetitive play or storytelling that reflects traumatic experiences.

One of the best ways is to introduce animal-assisted intervention. In my voluntary service with my therapy dog I describe in my book "Teachers and therapy dog teams: Innovative collaborations to make a different for children," we observed that some children open up only in the presence of therapy animals.

Communicate with students about normal things so they engage with you regarding daily things. I had .......for beakfast, it was.......I also like.............maybe tomorrow I could..........what do you think......

Relationships first. Focus on building positive, trusting relationships with students based on respect, empathy, and understanding. Take the time to get to know each student as an individual, listen to their concerns, validate their experiences, and offer support when needed. Provide opportunities for students to connect with caring adults and peers who can serve as sources of stability and encouragement.

Ensure that students have access to a range of support services, including school counselors, social workers, psychologists, and mental health professionals. Offer trauma-informed counseling services, group therapy, or support groups for students who have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Collaborate with community agencies and organizations to provide additional resources and support for students and families.

Foster a school culture that prioritizes safety, trust, and empathy. Establish clear expectations for behavior, promote positive relationships among students and staff, and create physical environments that feel welcoming and calming. Implement trauma-sensitive practices such as mindful breathing exercises, calming corners, or sensory breaks to help students regulate their emotions and manage stress.

Regularly assess the effectiveness of trauma-informed practices in your school and make adjustments as needed based on feedback from students, staff, and families. Monitor student outcomes, behavior patterns, and school climate data to measure the impact of trauma-informed initiatives and identify areas for improvement.

Engage families and communities as partners in supporting students' well-being and academic success. Communicate openly with parents/guardians about the school's trauma-informed practices, provide resources and information on trauma and resilience, and involve families in decision-making processes that affect their children. Collaborate with community organizations to expand access to trauma-informed services and supports beyond the school setting.

Desde mi perspectiva, algunas formas efectivas de hacerlo incluyen la capacitación regular del personal escolar para reconocer los signos de trauma en los estudiantes y responder de manera compasiva. También importante crear un entorno seguro y de apoyo donde los estudiantes se sientan cómodos para expresar sus emociones y buscar ayuda si es necesario. Además, las prácticas de disciplina restaurativa y el apoyo a la resiliencia son fundamentales para promover relaciones positivas y habilidades de afrontamiento entre los estudiantes.