Healing the Heart

The prevalence of trauma permeates America's families, and no one is immune to its impact. Natural disasters, community and institutional violence, adverse childhood experiences-these events impact the developing brains and bodies of our youth. This book for parents and educators pulls together the research on adverse childhood experiences and other traumatic events, positive psychology and resilience to provide parents and educators specific tools to help their trauma-impacted children move from surviving to thriving. Presented in an easy-to-read, conversational style, Healing the Heart uses evidence-based strategies, inspirational stories and role-playing scenarios to provide parents and educators the information and tools needed to heal the negative impact of traumatic events. With specific strategies to address diverse forms of trauma and diverse populations, this book is a must-read resource for anyone wanting to reestablish safety, increase resilience and help heal the long-term impact of trauma.

Christine Fonseca has worked in the field of education for more than a decade. Relying on her expertise as a school psychologist, behavioral consultant, speaker, and parenting expert, she has been a resource for parents and children in understanding the social and emotional needs of gifted children.

Acknowledgments Author's Note Introduction Part I: From ACEs to Natural Disasters: Understanding the Impact of Traumatic Events Chapter 1: The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences Chapter 2: Beyond Your Control Chapter 3: How Humans Respond to Stress Chapter 4: Through My Eyes: Conversations With a Trauma-Impacted Adult-Tina's Story Part II: Toxic Stress and the Developing Brain Chapter 5: Trauma and the Brain Chapter 6: Trauma, Emotions, and Behavior Chapter 7: Through My Eyes: Conversations With a Trauma-Impacted Teen-Jorge's Story Part III: Rebuilding Safety Chapter 8: Creating Safety Chapter 9: Relationships Matter Chapter 10: Seeing Past the Trauma Chapter 11: Through My Eyes: Conversations With Trauma-Impacted Children-A Middle School Focus Group Part IV: From Surviving to Thriving Chapter 12: Thriving at Home Chapter 13: Thriving at School Chapter 14: Thriving in the World Chapter 15: Through My Eyes: Conversations With a Trauma-Impacted Adult-Kendo's Story Final Thoughts References About the Author