Health and Wellness

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Toxic Stress

The accumulation of toxic stress in childhood, created by the maltreatment of children, is both a source of profound suffering in young people and families as well as a major burden on our society.  Children who are abused, neglected, live in poverty and among social dysfunction experience a chronic and unmitigated activation of the stress response.  Over time, this stress becomes toxic to the body. Adverse Childhood Experiences have been connected with a wide range of negative outcomes in health, relationships, and socio-economic status in adulthood. Time, it turns out, doesn't heal these wounds.
This series of presentations and workshops explore the body of research surrounding ACEs, how individuals may be affected, and how organizations and individuals can intervene to less the impact and occurrence. Presentations are tailored to specific audiences included those designed for medical providers, mental health clinicians, social service workers, educators, law enforcement/corrections, and the general public.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a hot topic these days.  You can't spend ten minutes on the internet without coming across somebody's take on what mindfulness is or how it will help you be happier, healthier, calmer, more confident, productive and smarter.  Everybody has a line on mindfulness these days.  You have to if you want to be hip and cutting edge.  School teachers, business gurus, medical doctors, and mental health counselors all swear by some version of mindfulness and advocate for its practice.  That's because it works. This presentations explores what mindfulness is, why it helps, and how you can practice mindfulness in your life.

Compassion Fatigue

The helping professions may be one of the most fulfilling career paths to pursue. But it also takes a toll. Working with people who are truly suffering exposes providers to a near constant level of stress and suffering. Holding the suffering of others can build up and wear you down. Compassion fatigue occurs when accumulated stress impacts the provider's ability to work at their best. Taking care of yourself is both a professional responsibility and an ethical imperative. This workshop helps providers move their self-care plans from best intentions into practice. Learn real strategies to reduce stress, schedule time for relaxation, and revitalize your commitment to your professional best.