510 | From Fear to Connection: A Toolkit for Overcoming Trauma and Insecure Attachment with Adolescents and Adults

New research on the brain reveals hope for clients derailed by past trauma and attachment wounds. From the alarming rise in adolescent suicide to the current overwhelming number of people seeking mental health services, there is a critical need for psychologists and licensed mental health professionals to become sufficiently trained in these neurobiological approaches. Ministry leaders and medical professionals must also be aware of these approaches to help patients and members get to the right mental health professional. Traumatic histories are common with clients and cause symptoms such as social anxiety, interpersonal avoidance, and chronic depression (Knight & Sibcy, 2017). This workshop will explore common autonomic nervous system responses to perceived threats. Seven essential strategies competent clinicians can use to recalibrate overactive defenses will be revealed. Forming a strong therapeutic alliance with clients lacking secure attachment bonds proves to be one of the most challenging tasks clinicians experience in therapy. However, key interventions related to emotional intelligence (EI), regulation, and interpersonal skills can make this challenge possible and enhance attachment security. This workshop will include a toolkit to facilitate client safety and stabilization and move clients from reactive to intentional behaviors (Clabough, 2019; Krupnik, 2019; Siegel, 2015). Last, biblical principles and research-based techniques related to developing interpersonal skills will serve as a blueprint for Christian clients’ journey from fear to transformative connection. Strategies for both virtual and in-person counseling sessions with adolescents and adults will be included in the toolkit.