5th Annual RC SELPA Mental Health Symposium: Mental Health Matters

A Window Between Worlds is a two part art workshop that will engage educational professionals to a trauma informed approach to support students toward healing from the unwavering effects of trauma. The Windows Between Worlds art workshop will consist of psychoeducation on trauma informed care and art exercises that are inclusive of all students.

The desired outcome is to provide educational professionals with the following learning objectives:
          - A review of the 6 key trauma informed principles
          - An understanding of how expressive art creates a safe space for trauma recovery
          - Participation in two expressive art directives using trauma informed care in action

A Window Between Worlds is a two part art workshop that will engage educational professionals to a trauma informed approach to support students toward healing from the unwavering effects of trauma. The Windows Between Worlds art workshop will consist of psychoeducation on trauma informed care and art exercises that are inclusive of all students.

The desired outcome is to provide educational professionals with the following learning objectives:
          - A review of the 6 key trauma informed principles
          - An understanding of how expressive art creates a safe space for trauma recovery
          - Participation in two expressive art directives using trauma informed care in action

Equip educators and parents with trauma-informed strategies to support neurodivergent children and teens with emotional dysregulation. Learn actionable tools to reduce behavioral challenges, build resilience, and create safe, nurturing environments that promote self-regulation and emotional growth.

1. Provide trauma-informed approaches to address emotional dysregulation in neurodivergent students.
2. Equip participants with practical tools and techniques to reduce behavioral challenges while fostering emotional resilience.
3. Enhance collaboration between parents and educators to create consistent and supportive environments for neurodivergent students.
4. Empower participants to shift from managing behaviors reactively to proactively building environments that nurture growth and emotional regulation.

This session will utilize an EMDR lens to examine trauma responses and introduce practical ideas for building the youth's capacity to tolerate distress. Presenter will provide a general overview of the theory behind EMDR therapy to build upon understanding of the function of trauma responses. The concept of distress tolerance will be explored in depth along with ways to increase a youth's capacity to maintain regulation when triggered. Finally, participants will practice several interventions geared toward helping youth regain emotional regulation when triggered.

Objectives:

1. Participants will develop understanding of the function of trauma responses.
2. Participants will have an understanding of ways to increase distress tolerance in youth.
3. Participants will have the opportunity to practice several emotional regulation interventions.