Trauma Symposium Coming to Ellicottville June 15th
Trauma Symposium Coming to Ellicottville June 15th
The hot topic word the past two and a half years is TRAUMA. It truly is a non-tangible word or phrase. What does it really mean? How do you know if you have been traumatized? Was the pandemic a trauma? Let us hear a bit from the trauma-informed care implementation resource center for some answers.
“Trauma is a pervasive problem. It results from exposure to an incident or series of events that are emotionally disturbing or life threatening with lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, and/or spiritual well-being. Some experiences that may be traumatic include: physical/sexual/emotional abuse, childhood neglect, living with a family member with mental health or substance use disorders, cancer, a sudden death of a loved one, poverty, a natural disaster, racism/discrimination/oppression, violence in a community/war/terrorism, a pandemic, to name a few.”
Author Lawrence Robinson, Melinda Smith (M.A) and Jeanne Segal (Ph.D) break down some symptoms: shock/denial/disbelief, confusion/difficulty concentrating, anger/irritability/mood swings, anxiety, fear, guilt/shame/self-blame, withdrawal from others, feelings of sadness or hopelessness, feelings of disconnection of numbness, insomnia/nightmares, fatigue, being startled easily, etc.
The pandemic and acknowledgement of trauma impacting people the past two and a half years has not gone unnoticed. Excitedly and with affirming captivation, the Western New York Public Health Alliance has heard our struggles and is stepping up to offer its 1st annual Trauma Symposium, “Trauma and the Brain: The Impact of Trauma on Health Behaviors.”
The Trauma Symposium is set to be held on Wednesday, June 15th at Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville, NY from 10:00am-4:00pm. This symposium is free of charge, open to the public, and offers complimentary lunch. There will be 4 guest speakers all offering up their expertise on the complexities and human reactions to trauma. To begin, Dr. Tonemah will be speaking on topics related to trauma and brain functioning, tools for regaining sovereignty, recovery from trauma, as well as trauma experienced by indigenous populations. Dr. Betru will be addressing trauma and marginalized populations, trauma and its impact on anxiety, as well as a multitude of self-care techniques. Vicki Grant will be specifically addressing the traumatizing impact of the pandemic. And lastly, sheriff Jim Quattrone, Brent Schlafer, and Melanie Churakos will be discussing the impact of trauma within the law enforcement fields.
Come join the fun with a learning, curious, and open mind. Find some clarity to what our nation has been through during these pandemic times.
Laura Widger is a NY State Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience in the field of emotional wellness and mental health. She owns and operates Inner Peace and Strength - Mental and Emotional Health, and specializes in trauma healing with children and adults. She lives in Cattaraugus County with her husband, children, and German short haired dog. Laura personally and professionally strives to promote internal self leadership and the discovery of true genuineness and balance within.