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Mary Allison Jensen, MSW

You want to help your child heal from a traumatic experience, but you’re not sure how. Responding to behavior is just a band-aid that doesn’t address the deeper, underlying issues. You know that there has to be a better way.

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You want to help your child heal from a traumatic experience, but you’re not sure how. Responding to behavior is just a band-aid that doesn’t address the deeper, underlying issues. You know that there has to be a better way.

In this course, you’ll learn about how trauma impacts brain development and how you can harness the power of narrative to help your child heal. You’ll learn how to create a healing trauma narrative to promote resilience and post-traumatic growth. You’ll learn how to implement Trauma Informed Parenting on a daily basis to help support your child in moving through their own healing process.

The Trauma Informed Parenting course is made up of eight modules, each consisting of three individual lessons. Course materials include a mix of videos, reading assignments, and worksheets. Don’t be intimidated – this is not graded and there is nothing to turn in. Once you purchase the course, you will have lifetime access to the course materials, including all future updates. You’ll also be invited to join our exclusive Trauma Informed Parenting Facebook group where you can ask questions and share information with other trauma informed parents.

Module 1: Getting Started

This module welcomes you to the course. You’ll learn about what to expect, take a look at the course syllabus, and join the private Trauma Informed Parenting Facebook group for support as you move through the modules. You’ll take a look at where you are now and set goals for your time in the course to make sure that you can apply the information to your own life in a meaningful way.

Module 2: Adverse Childhood Experiences

In this module, you’ll learn all about the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) study and how it applies to your own life, as a parent, and how it applies for your child. You’re learn about what the ACES study means and have the opportunity to journal and reflect on how this has had an influence on your own life.

Module 3: The Impact of Trauma on Brain Development

If you want to respond to your child and others in a truly trauma-informed way, you have to understand how adversity in childhood impacts the development of the brain. After completing this module, you will understand the basics of early brain development and some significant ways that trauma impacts brain development. You will practice linking your child’s behavior to trauma and uncover triggers for challenging behaviors.

Module 4: Resilience

Understanding all of the science and theory of adversity is super important, but let’s be real, it doesn’t do any good if you don’t know how to apply that science and theory to your own life. In this module, you will learn about neuroplasticity, how to help the brain change, and how to help your child build resilience by strengthening emotional regulation.

Module 5: Healing

Breathe a deep sigh of relief, module 5 is where the work of healing truly begins. In this module, you’ll learn how to harness the power of story to help your child heal. You’ll learn about implicit memory and figure out how those hidden memories locked away in your child’s amygdala continue to impact their behavior every day. Finally, you’ll start to sketch the skeleton outline of your child’s healing narrative by identifying emotional anchor points in their life.

Module 6: Creating a Trauma Narrative

In module 6, all of the works begins to come together as your child’s trauma narrative takes shape. This is the place where you write the story that will help you walk the sacred path of helping your child heal and move forward with intention. It’s hard work and your child is so incredibly lucky to have a parent who is so invented in facilitating the healing process.

Module 7: Trauma Informed Parenting

You’ve created your child’s healing narrative and now it’s time to talk about how to use the narrative and how to identify and respond to challenging behaviors through the lens of the Trauma Informed Parenting Guidelines.

Module 8: Wrapping Up

This is the time for me to remind you that you can’t give what you don’t have and that self-care is an act of service. You have to take care of yourself in order to be able to take care of anyone else. Expect a little gushing from me as I thank you for allowing me to be a part of your sacred journey. So much respect, my friend.

Ready to start helping your child heal? Congratulations. Working through this course takes courage and commitment. Once you have made the decision to enroll in the course, you and your child can begin to move forward together on an intentional journey of healing and growth.

The total value of the course materials is approximately $2500, but the changes you will be able to make after applying the course materials to your life will be truly priceless. Remember, once you purchase the course, you will have lifetime access to all materials, including updates.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand the impact of trauma on children.
  • Know how to link challenging behaviors with trauma related changes in the brain. u
  • Understand how to respond sensitively and therapeutically.
  • Know how to create a developmentally appropriate trauma narrative for pre-verbal trauma.
  • Understand the prevalence and impact of adverse childhood experiences.
  • Understand practical steps to build and nurture resilience in children.

Syllabus

Getting Started
Introduction
Guiding Principles of Trauma Informed Parenting
Building Reflective Capacity and Self-Assessment
Read more
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Introduction to the ACES Study
ACE Pyramid
ACES and Parenting
Parenting a Child with ACES
The Impact of Trauma on Brain Development
Early Brain Development
Impact of Trauma on Brain Development
Toxic Stress
Linking Trauma and Behaviour
Trauma and Behavior
Resilience
Neuroplasticity
Building Resilience
Strengthening Resilience
Tools for Emotional Regulation
Flip It! Method
Mindfulness for Children
Healing

How to Create a Trauma Narrative - this information from the University of Washington is intended for therapists.  However, I still think it’s worth a look as you work through this process of creating a narrative for your child.  As with anything else, feel free to take what is useful and ignore the rest.

Attachment Styles in Infants and Toddlers
Implicit Memory

Tips for Creating Your Child’s Graphic Timeline:

  • Do try to capture everything you can think of that may have been highly emotionally charged, whether it was good or bad.

  • Do think of the graphic timeline as a brainstorming session.  Use this worksheet as a place to do a brain dump of all of the significant events in your child’s life.  There may be events or situations that don’t need to be included in the final trauma narrative – that’s ok! Just get it all out right here.

  • Don’t get too caught up on small details like exact dates or places.  The goal of the graphic timeline is to create a rough outline for the major points of your child’s trauma narrative.  In the majority of cases, you will not be including specific dates in the final story, so don’t get too hung up on including them here.

  • Don’t overthink this.  It does not have to be perfect.  It does have to give you a basic outline for what will become your child’s trauma narrative.  If there are gaping holes, think about what may have been going on during that time for your child and fill in the best you can.

Creating a Trauma Narrative
Creating a Story
Tying It All Together

Tips for Using the Trauma Narrative:

  • DO: Let go of expectations.  Before you introduce the narrative, you have no idea how your child will respond.  You don’t know how they will tolerate the potential trauma reminders or what implicit memories will be triggered.  There is no right way.

  • DO: Introduce the narrative to your child slowly if that seems right to you.  You don’t have to sit down and read it start to finish.

  • DO: Be creative in how you use the trauma narrative.  For example, perhaps it is beneficial to just look at one page of the narrative and focus on calming techniques – kind of like exposure therapy.

  • DO: Remember that the goal is for your child to be calm and connected to their body while using the trauma narrative. Proceed in a way that makes this possible.

  • DON’T: Limit your child’s access to the narrative.  Allow them to hold, use, and explore at their own pace.

  • DO: Be sensitive to how the narrative affects both you and your child.

  • DO: Remember that this narrative is a tool for a lifetime.  There is no rush.  There is no hurry.  Slow and steady.

Trauma Informed Parenting
Becoming a Behavior Detective
Understanding Challenging Behaviors
Practicing Trauma Informed Parenting
Putting the Pieces Together
Wrapping Up
Self-Care
Moving Forward
Until We Meet Again

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Geared towards parents of children who have experienced trauma
Taught by renowned trauma recovery expert and child therapist Mary Allison Jensen
Offers lifetime access to course materials upon enrollment
May require a significant investment of time and effort
Suitable for parents with a basic understanding of trauma and its effects
Emphasizes the importance of self-care for caregivers

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Parenting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma and Adversity with these activities:
Read 'The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog' by Bruce Perry and Maia Szalavitz.
This book provides a powerful account on the neurological impact of trauma and the role of relationships and experiences in shaping a child's development.
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow the book.
  • Read the book cover to cover.
  • Take notes and highlight important passages as you read.
  • Reflect on the book's key themes as they relate to the concepts you're learning in the course.
Read 'The Body Keeps the Score' by Bessel van der Kolk
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of trauma on the brain and body, and offers practical strategies for healing.
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
  • Discuss the book with a friend, family member, or therapist.
Practice identifying challenging behaviors linked to trauma
By practicing identifying challenging behaviors linked to trauma, you will be better prepared to respond empathetically and therapeutically to your child.
Browse courses on Challenging Behaviors
Show steps
  • Complete the exercises in the course materials that focus on linking challenging behaviors with trauma.
  • Find additional examples of challenging behaviors that may be related to trauma.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Explore the National Child Traumatic Stress Network's (NCTSN) resources
The NCTSN website provides a wealth of evidence-based information, resources, and tools to help you deepen your understanding of trauma and its impact on children.
Show steps
  • Visit the NCTSN website (https://www.nctsn.org/).
  • Explore the different sections of the website, such as the 'Resources' and 'Publications' sections.
  • Identify specific resources that align with your interests and learning goals.
  • Review the selected resources and take notes on key points.
Create a graphic timeline of your child's life
Creating a graphic timeline of your child's life will help you create a comprehensive Trauma Informed Parenting framework for your child.
Show steps
  • Gather information about your child's life, including significant events, experiences, and relationships.
  • Create a timeline that visually represents your child's life, including both positive and negative experiences.
  • Use the timeline to identify patterns and themes in your child's life.
Practice identifying ACEs and their potential impact on children's behavior and development
Engaging in practice drills can help you develop a deeper understanding of the different types of ACEs and their potential consequences, which is essential for trauma-informed parenting.
Show steps
  • Create a list of common ACEs.
  • Describe the potential impact of each ACE on a child's behavior and development.
  • Practice identifying ACEs in case studies or scenarios.
Write a trauma narrative for your child
Writing a trauma narrative for your child will provide a powerful tool for healing and understanding.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific event or period of time to focus on.
  • Gather information about the event or period of time from your child, other family members, or professionals.
  • Write a story that captures the event or period of time from your child's perspective.
Practice using Trauma Informed Parenting guidelines with challenging behaviors
By practicing using Trauma Informed Parenting guidelines with challenging behaviors, you will improve your ability to implement TIP principles.
Show steps
  • Identify a specific challenging behavior that you are struggling with.
  • Research Trauma Informed Parenting guidelines for addressing challenging behaviors.
  • Develop a plan for using Trauma Informed Parenting guidelines to address the challenging behavior.
Develop a trauma-informed parenting plan
Creating a trauma-informed parenting plan will help you apply the concepts you're learning in the course to your own parenting practices.
Show steps
  • Identify your child's specific needs and challenges.
  • Research and select evidence-based strategies for addressing trauma-related issues.
  • Develop a plan that includes specific goals, strategies, and a timeline for implementation.
  • Implement the plan and monitor its effectiveness.
  • Make adjustments to the plan as needed based on your child's progress.
Join a support group for parents of children with trauma experiences
Connecting with other parents who have similar experiences can provide support, encouragement, and practical advice.
Show steps
  • Research and identify support groups in your area or online.
  • Attend a support group meeting and introduce yourself.
  • Share your experiences and challenges with the group.
  • Listen to and learn from the experiences of other parents.
  • Offer support and encouragement to other group members.
Develop a presentation or workshop on trauma-informed parenting for other parents or professionals
Creating a presentation or workshop will help you synthesize your knowledge and develop effective strategies for sharing it with others.
Show steps
  • Research and gather information on trauma-informed parenting.
  • Develop a presentation or workshop outline.
  • Create visually appealing slides or materials.
  • Practice your presentation or workshop delivery.
  • Present or host your workshop or presentation to an audience.

Career center

Learners who complete Parenting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma and Adversity will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Child Clinical Social Worker
A Child Clinical Social Worker helps children who have experienced trauma or adversity. They provide therapy and support to help children heal and learn how to cope with their experiences. The Parenting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma and Adversity course can help you build a strong foundation in understanding the impact of trauma on children and how to respond sensitively and therapeutically. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful as a Child Clinical Social Worker.
Occupational Therapist
An Occupational Therapist helps people who have experienced trauma or adversity regain their independence and improve their quality of life. The Parenting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma and Adversity course can help you build a strong foundation in understanding the impact of trauma on children and how to respond sensitively and therapeutically. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful as an Occupational Therapist working with children who have experienced trauma or adversity.
Licensed Professional Counselor
A Licensed Professional Counselor helps people who have experienced trauma or adversity by providing therapy and support. The Parenting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma and Adversity course can help you build a strong foundation in understanding the impact of trauma on children and how to respond sensitively and therapeutically. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful as a Licensed Professional Counselor working with children who have experienced trauma or adversity.
Play Therapist
A Play Therapist helps children who have experienced trauma or adversity by providing therapy and support through play. The Parenting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma and Adversity course can help you build a strong foundation in understanding the impact of trauma on children and how to respond sensitively and therapeutically. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful as a Play Therapist.
Physical Therapist
A Physical Therapist helps people who have experienced trauma or adversity regain their physical function and improve their quality of life. The Parenting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma and Adversity course can help you build a strong foundation in understanding the impact of trauma on children and how to respond sensitively and therapeutically. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful as a Physical Therapist working with children who have experienced trauma or adversity.
Psychiatrist
A Psychiatrist helps people who have experienced trauma or adversity by providing therapy and support. The Parenting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma and Adversity course can help you build a strong foundation in understanding the impact of trauma on children and how to respond sensitively and therapeutically. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful as a Psychiatrist.
Registered Nurse
A Registered Nurse provides care to people who have experienced trauma or adversity. The Parenting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma and Adversity course can help you build a strong foundation in understanding the impact of trauma on children and how to respond sensitively and therapeutically. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful as a Registered Nurse working with children who have experienced trauma or adversity.
Counselor
Counselors help people who have experienced trauma or adversity by providing therapy and support. The Parenting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma and Adversity course can help you build a strong foundation in understanding the impact of trauma on children and how to respond sensitively and therapeutically. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful as a Counselor working with children who have experienced trauma or adversity.
School Counselor
A School Counselor helps children and adolescents who have experienced trauma or adversity by providing therapy and support. The Parenting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma and Adversity course can help you build a strong foundation in understanding the impact of trauma on children and how to respond sensitively and therapeutically. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful as a School Counselor.
Marriage and Family Therapist
A Marriage and Family Therapist helps families who have experienced trauma or adversity by providing therapy and support. The Parenting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma and Adversity course can help you build a strong foundation in understanding the impact of trauma on families and how to respond sensitively and therapeutically. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful as a Marriage and Family Therapist working with families who have experienced trauma or adversity.
Child Psychologist
A Child Psychologist helps children who have experienced trauma or adversity by providing therapy and support. The Parenting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma and Adversity course can help you build a strong foundation in understanding the impact of trauma on children and how to respond sensitively and therapeutically. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful as a Child Psychologist.
Family Therapist
A Family Therapist helps families who have experienced trauma or adversity. They provide therapy and support to help families heal and learn how to cope with their experiences. The Parenting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma and Adversity course can help you build a strong foundation in understanding the impact of trauma on families and how to respond sensitively and therapeutically. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful as a Family Therapist working with families who have experienced trauma or adversity.
Social Worker
A Social Worker helps people who have experienced trauma or adversity by providing therapy and support. The Parenting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma and Adversity course may be useful in building a foundation in understanding the impact of trauma on children. This course can provide some of the skills you need to be successful as a Social Worker.
Teacher Assistant
A Teacher Assistant helps teachers with a variety of tasks, including providing support to children who have experienced trauma or adversity. The Parenting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma and Adversity course may be useful in building a foundation in understanding the impact of trauma on children. This course can provide some of the skills you need to be successful as a Teacher Assistant working with children who have experienced trauma or adversity.
Special Education Teacher
A Special Education Teacher teaches children and adolescents with disabilities, including those who have experienced trauma or adversity. The Parenting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma and Adversity course may be useful in building a foundation in understanding the impact of trauma on children. This course can provide some of the skills you need to be successful as a Special Education Teacher working with children who have experienced trauma or adversity.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Parenting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma and Adversity.
Offers a somatic approach to healing trauma, providing exercises and techniques for releasing trauma from the body.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the somatic experiencing approach to healing trauma, which focuses on releasing the physical and emotional tension that is stored in the body.
Provides a comprehensive overview of attachment theory, which is essential for understanding the impact of trauma on children and their relationships with others.
Provides a comprehensive overview of trauma and resilience, and offers a framework for understanding and supporting recovery.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of trauma on child development, and offers a range of strategies for assessment, intervention, and support.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the core principles of child trauma, offering a range of strategies for assessment, intervention, and support.

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