“ACEs and Adolescence”
What’s the Programme about?
The experience of multiple adverse life experiences – “complex trauma” – can often directly result in destructive and self-destructive behaviours during adolescence and adulthood.
This four week Programme is designed to give Practitioners an introduction to understanding exactly ‘what is going on’ in the development of these behaviours, and how to respond appropriately to bring about positive change.
It discusses common self-destructive behaviours which may be unhelpful for sufferers, - and then explores effective approaches which may bring about lasting change and recovery.
The goal of this Programme is to promote EFFECTIVE organisational trauma informed policies and practice, continuity of care, and consistency in responding to destructive behaviours during adolescence.
Week One introduces the subject of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and considers the diagnosis of “Complex PTSD” (ICD-11), explaining what is meant by this in the context of early life trauma. It looks closely at the known consequences of early life adversity, and C-PTSD, on both mind and body.
Week Two considers what makes these early life traumatic events so traumatic! What is it about these events and experiences that make them so catastrophic and allows them to go on to become the prism and lens through which the whole of life is then experienced and approached? It discusses research that illustrates these consequences, and individual testimonies of sufferers. It also highlights common outcomes and behaviours that can result from these experiences.
Week Three considers how such behaviours and outcomes may be commonly conceptualised in society:
Mental Illnesses
Criminality
Substance Addictions
Personality Disorders
Labels / Stigma
It then considers difficulties that may currently exist in acknowledging and fully understanding early life complex trauma.
Week Four considers seven key principles illustrating how sufferers of multiple ACE’s may commonly try to ‘make sense’ and ‘gain power and control’ over what has happened to them, and the destructive consequences that may follow. It considers common responses of caregivers and stakeholders. The Programme then closes by drawing together all four weeks of learning, and reinforcing positive approaches known to bring about personal empowerment and change.
What’s the format of the Programme?
4 x 90 minute sessions (2 x 40 minutes with break) – usually spread over 4 weeks of learning and practice.
Sessions are interactive, giving practitioners the opportunity to share their own experiences and insights.
Who would directly benefit from this Programme?
Teachers; Classroom Assistants; Police Officers; PCSO’s; Youth Workers; Detached Outreach Workers; Health Professionals; Probation Officers; Housing Officers; Addictions Services Practitioners; Social Workers.