Trauma-Informed Care
Why a Trauma-informed Approach?
Science is finding that music can heal trauma without our even knowing it! We can get our bodies to feel calm, safe, and even happy simply by singing, dancing and breathing together in a group.
How Trauma Affects Us Everyday
My Sources (to name a few):
- ✦ - "The Body Keep the Score" by Bessel Van der Kolk, M.D.
- ✦ - "Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents" by Lindsay C. Gibson, Psy. D.
- ✦ - The Trusted Adult program, by Kathleen Donaldson, BS & Lucianne Hackbert, PhD
- ✦ - Ease Keys training, by Teresa Posakony & Ashley Cooper, M.Ed.
- ✦ - "The Other Side of Change," Maya Shankar
How is my Music Trauma-Informed?
In my classes, my goal is to share songs and exercises that help parents and caretakers in navigating the stressors of modern life. We sing calming songs to help with anxiety and anger; we use easily-repeatable transition tunes; we dance and sing goofily to encourage our bodies to release stress and endorphins!
The Science
Music Heals Trauma
"Research shows a clear link between health and music: music therapy can be used to help combat depression and heal trauma, and listening to music has been shown to reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure and decrease stress levels." –The Institute of Living
Imagination Relaxes
"Guided imagery has many uses that include: stress reduction, sleep improvement, pain management, promotion of healing with surgery or illness, behavior change..." –Duke Health & Well-Being
Children's Skeletal Development
"Children and adults often hunch over as they sit or look down at digital devices. Digital devices are negatively impacting our posture, breathing, circulation, and the development of our social engagement and learning systems. Self-Regulation through Co-Regulation counterbalances unhealthy habits for sitting, moving, breathing and standing."–PowerofEaseKeys.com (see the National Library of Medicine for more research)
Groups Offer Security
Reptiles react to threats with flight, fright, or fight. However, mammals have developed the ability to calm their bodies simply by being near one another. That means that when we gather in groups for similar purposes–to share a meal, to watch a sporting event, to worship–we are telling our bodies that we are safe in the tribe. *paraphrased from Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents, Lindsay C. Gibson Psy. D.
Language Development
"Singing together is so much fun children rarely realize all that they are learning! Songs are a great way to introduce new words and sounds to very young children. Think of all the body parts in the song, "Head, shoulders, knees and toes!" When combined with actions children are learning about parts of their body, and probably having a giggle watching their caregiver bounce up and down from head to toe!" –Headstart.gov
Cultural Heritage
We know that rhythm and movement make our bodies feel good, they also teach our brains hand-eye coordination, language, and cultural heritage. "[African American Folk songs and games] are used to teach musical concepts in a playful manner, all while providing students a deeper cultural understanding than any rote history lesson could provide." –Atlas Obscura
Impact and Benefits
For Kiddos
- ✦ Emotional and physical regulation
- ✦ Tools for healthy skeletal development
- ✦ Deeper social connections
- ✦ Increased self-confidence
- ✦ Resilience through transitions
- ✦ Tools for stressful moments
- ✦ Strengthened body-mind connection
For Communities
- ✦ More inclusive environments
- ✦ Learning how to greet our Spanish-speaking neighbors
- ✦ Reduced stigma around mental health
- ✦ Feeling awe-inspired by the beauty of people
- ✦ Healing and acceptance from familiar faces
For Families
- ✦ Stronger bonds with your kiddo
- ✦ Shared positive experiences
- ✦ Parenting/caretaking support and resources
- ✦ Belief in something larger than ourselves
- ✦ Making new friends!
For Grown Ups
- ✦ Watching your child gain confidence over time
- ✦ New bonds with like-minded people
- ✦ A dependable safe space
- ✦ Emotional support from Teacher Brittany and friends
- ✦ Leaving with a warm hope in your heart and a smile on your face
Train with Teacher Brittany
I offer training and consultation for educators, childcare providers, and community organizations interested in implementing trauma-informed practices through music, movement, and imagination. Please reach out to me to hear about upcoming trainings through me and my partner programs, Trusted Adult and The Power of Ease Keys!