The effects of trauma on childhood development are so profound because trauma negatively impacts the

way in which children’s brains are hardwired. However, children are resilient, and even after a traumatic

event, they can recover. Their bodies and brains are built for restoration and resiliency.

Utilizing the brain’s natural capacity for neuroplasticity, treatment for trauma consists of a combination of

approaches. Too often, however, we rely solely on talk therapy and cognitive processing as our only

interventions for trauma. This dismisses the library of memories catalogued among the sensory organs,

hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and musculoskeletal systems. In addition, trauma in early childhood

often never reaches the part of the brain used in speech. All the systems of the body are impacted by

trauma, and memories are stored in the body (not just the brain), making it difficult for children to recount

traumatic memories.

Therefore, we cannot rely on talk therapy as the sole form of treatment. To capitalize on the body’s

capacity for resiliency, we need to engage children in whole-brain, whole-body experiences that directly

address the trauma and promote agency, and nature therapy is one such approach that provides these

experiences.

Nature therapy promotes resiliency and, in turn, recovery from trauma in several ways. First, engaging

with nature helps children make meaning out of the trauma by allowing them to construct and reconstruct

the trauma narrative (belief). In addition, the ionic exchange that occurs when interacting with the natural

elements helps promote a calm and alert state (affect). Finally, engaging with nature also provides

children with a sense of support as they connect to the earth and its creatures (social).

Objectives:

Participants will

1. Explore the impact of trauma on neurological development of children.

2. Examine the resiliency of neuroplasticity.

3. Discuss the BASIC Ph Model as a whole-brain, whole body approach to resiliency.

4. Identify the impact of engaging in natural settings on the development of resilient coping skills.

5. Apply tools to a case study.

The effects of trauma on childhood development are profound as it negatively impacts the way in which

children’s brains are hardwired. Children are resilient, and they can recover. Their bodies and brains are

built for restoration and resiliency. Nature therapy promotes resiliency and assists in trauma recovery.

Join Dr. Cheryl Fisher as she explores the impact of engaging in natural settings and trauma recovery for

children. This workshop will provide numerous practical techniques to use immediately in your practice.