From Trauma Reactive to Trauma Responsive – Becoming a Trauma Responsive Primary School

Research informs us that over 50% of all children will have experienced a traumatic event by the time they reach adulthood. (Copeland, W.E. et al, 2007) These children often get stuck in a survival loop which diminishes their capacity to regulate their emotions and behaviour. They no longer feel safe.

Learning can only happen when a child feels safe. Trauma informed schools promote feelings of physical, social and emotional safety in children. A trauma informed school understands and recognises the impact of trauma on children and their learning and responds to these children in a way that promotes growth and healing.

When we understand challenging behaviour as a possible trauma response, we can meet that behaviour with compassion and connection rather than sanctions and punishment. A trauma informed school will be curious about what has happened to the struggling child rather than being preoccupied with what is wrong with him.

From Trauma Reactive to Trauma Responsive will support participants to

• Understand the impact of Trauma on a child’s lived world
• Respond compassionately to increase a felt sense of safety
• Create a trauma sensitive learning environment

Facilitator: Aideen Flynn

Aideen Flynn has worked with children in educational settings for 20 years, starting as a mainstream primary teacher, moving into SEN working specifically with children with an ASD diagnosis and then with children with complex needs.

Aideen is now a child and adolescent psychotherapist helping children, parents and teachers work together to enable the struggling child be the best he or she can be.

Aideen has her own private practice; “The Treasure Within” in Quin, Co. Clare and also facilitates parenting workshops and trauma informed teaching workshops both locally and nationally. The focus of all workshops is to empower the participants to be the agent of change in their child’s struggle. In each facilitation, the participant receives a multi-layered approach of theory and experiential learning.

Aideen is an accredited member of the Irish Association of Playtherapists and Psychotherapists.