Trauma, Stress and the Brain: Understanding the Stress Response in Individuals Who Have Witnessed or Experienced Traumatic Events

Individuals who have witnessed or experienced traumatic events (e.g. physical or sexual abuse, witnessing domestic violence, neglect, etc.) can respond in a wide variety of ways - some responses are predictable while others may feel unexpected. The same event that may leave one person visibly upset or distressed can have seemingly “no effect” on another.   Developed for prosecutors, police, therapists, victim advocates, teachers, human services and other agencies working with individuals with a trauma history, this presentation will provide information about the impacts of stress and trauma focusing on:

 - Why individuals (including ourselves) may demonstrate specific behaviors/reactions 

-  How the brain processes and responds in various situations depending on the setting, persons present and the victim’s experiences

-  How our interactions can create opportunities for disclosure, safety, healing and connection

Presenter: Halley Gruber, M.A.Ed and Katie Lohmiller, DrPH. Co-Founders and Directors, Educational Access Group

Time: 11am - 1pm

Location: 1st JD District Attorney Office - 500 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO 80401