Culturally informed trauma-integrated healing practice – part 1

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this resource may contain images, audio or names of people who have passed away.

In this episode, Judy and Caroline share information, concepts, practical skills and suggestions that can support mainstream professionals working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and their families/communities. Through storytelling, they share the healing practice’s that have supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families for thousands of years, and how these practices are now backed by research in frameworks that assist practitioners to support children experiencing trauma.

In this episode you will learn about:

• relationships and trust as a foundation (07:48)
• the generational history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and the effects of intergenerational trauma (15:02)
• the creative use of arts in story and play as an effective tool in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families (35:50); and
• the effect childhood trauma has on children’s behaviour and responses (30:58).

Further information and resources

• Trauma-informed services and trauma-specific care for Indigenous Australian children (AIHW/AIFS)
• We Al-li, a Culturally Informed Trauma Integrated Healing Approach (CITIHA)
• Intergenerational Trauma animation (Healing Foundation)
• The Three R’s: Reaching The Learning Brain (Beacon Hill)

The preferred terminology used by Emerging Minds in our resources is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, as guided by our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing National Consultancy Group.