Safety, Support and Growth: Effective Trauma-Informed Peer Support and Post-Traumatic Growth-Lecture Presentation

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video features Amy Cohen, who is the Associate Director for SMI Advisor and a clinical psychologist. SMI Advisor, which stands for the Clinical Support System for Serious Mental Illness, is an initiative by APA and SAMHSA, aimed at helping clinicians provide evidence-based care for those with serious mental illness. The webinar focuses on trauma-informed peer support and post-traumatic growth. The presenters, Patrick Henry and Kelly Davis, discuss the roles and values of peer support in trauma, the impact of stress on mental health, and the stages and indicators of trauma. They also explain the key principles of trauma-informed peer support, including safety, transparency, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity. The presenters emphasize the importance of providing a nurturing and trusting connection with individuals and supporting their journey of post-traumatic growth. Post-traumatic growth is described as positive changes that can occur following a traumatic experience, such as increased appreciation for life, new possibilities, and personal strength. The presenters highlight the alignment between peer support and post-traumatic growth, as both focus on individual empowerment, strength, growth, and meaningful relationships. They suggest that peer support can promote post-traumatic growth by providing connection, safety, and a sense of belonging to those who have experienced trauma. The presentation concludes with an illustration of trauma recovery as a dynamic and evolving process.

Keywords

Amy Cohen

SMI Advisor

trauma-informed peer support

post-traumatic growth

Patrick Henry

Kelly Davis

key principles of trauma-informed peer support

nurturing and trusting connection

trauma recovery