Trauma-Informed Practice is a strengths-based framework grounded in an understanding of and responsiveness to the impact of trauma. It emphasises physical, psychological, and emotional safety for everyone, and creates opportunities for survivors to rebuild a sense of control and empowerment.

SESSION OBJECTIVES

• Understand what constitutes trauma and how traumatic events are experienced by people
• Develop an understanding of how trauma affects the brain and nervous system
• Learn the behavioural markers and emotional and physiological experiences of traumatized people
• Learn how to respond appropriately to nuanced trauma responses
• Understand the stages of recovery
• Develop awareness of how one’s own trauma history can interfere with working with traumatized clients and the importance of doing your own work.

PRESENTER BIO

Dawn Percher has a MA in Counselling Psychology, and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified Canadian Counsellor, with 14 years of front line mental health experience. She has spent the last 4 years as the Clinical Counsellor and Mental Health Team Lead for Seabird Island Band, and has a private practice in Chilliwack with Yale Therapy Group.

Dawn specializes in trauma counselling, and has worked extensively with survivors of residential school and the 60’s scoop, as well as victims and perpetrators of physical and sexual abuse. She brings a wealth of experience working with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and congenital brain differences, all types of addictions and mental illness, and both inpatient and outpatient treatment.