Traveling with Trauma: A Survival Guide
–by Emerging Mama Monica Reynolds [originally published on the author’s blog, November 21, 2017] Another holiday season upon us! A season that for many is filled with joy, excitement, and celebrations, very often presents trauma families with additional stress and confusion. When we just want to chill and enjoy the celebrations like normal (whatever that is) families […]
15 Gifts that Promote Attachment and Bonding
–by Sara Borgstede (originally posted on the author’s blog, The Holy Mess, on November 14, 2017) Have you recently given birth to a baby or brought a new family member into your home through foster care or adoption? Maybe you are a relative or friend looking for Christmas gifts for a new little one in […]
Chocolate and Chicken Under the Bed
–by Emerging Mama Monica Reynolds [originally published on the author’s blog, November 14, 2017, just in time for the biggest food extravaganza of them all!] Just this past week, I discovered a new secret stash of food and food wrappers in my child’s bedroom. It wasn’t in the same place as the stash before, or the […]
Are Traumatized Children Hopeless?
–by Julie Beem I’ve been to a handful of post-adoption conferences this spring and summer. After working with ATN for over a decade, I have been excited by the number of workshops and speakers addressing early childhood trauma, and in some cases citing the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study. I remember all too well the […]
Healing Hearts Series
Join ATN’s Julie Beem and Lorraine Schneider throughout 2017 as we interview ATN’s Professional Members about their programs, expertise, and insights into parenting traumatized children and helping hearts to heal. This is a FREE “Members Only” benefit and can be seen. Members, contact us for password information. All live webinars can be accessed as follows: […]
Residential Treatment: When Holding On Means Letting Go
–by Sara Borgstede This was originally posted on the author’s website, The Holy Mess – Balancing Faith, Family, and Fitness, on June 4, 2017. As we drive through the beautiful rolling hills of western New York, my husband reaches over to grasp my hand. I glance over and see a stream of tears run down his […]
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and Sensory Integration: What Parents Need to Know
What Is Sensory Processing Disorder? Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), previously referred to as Sensory Integration Disorder (SID), is a condition where the brain struggles to receive, interpret, and respond to sensory information from the environment. This affects how individuals experience touch, sound, movement, sight, taste, and other sensations. Children with SPD may appear overwhelmed, confused, […]
Neurological Reorganization (NR)
Neurological Reorganization, NR, or Neuro-reorg, is an intervention that addresses the challenges of a disorganized or injured brain. Some children have pervasive neurodevelopmental challenges that impact all areas of their functioning, and in worst cases children are globally delayed or brain injured. Children whose developmental trauma/attachment disorder beginnings have greatly impacted their development can benefit from […]
Eye Movement, Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy developed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. EMDR therapy helps people heal from emotional pain and psychological symptoms that are the result of disturbing life experiences. It is based on the idea that the mind can heal from psychological trauma much like […]
Trauma without Healthy Attachment: How a Child Feels
–by Janyne McConnaughey, PhD I sat on the floor next to her. I understood her fear of abandonment, the trauma she had experienced, and how her mother had been unable to provide any form of comfort. I watched her body shake uncontrollably and offered a blanket. I knew she would not want me to hold […]