Trauma-transformative practice is the new paradigm which aims to transform the ways that professionals understand and work with children and young people. Trauma-transformative practice with families follows the foundational workshop Trauma-transformative practice with children which outlines core dimensions described in The Handbook of Trauma-Transformative Practice (Tucci, Mitchell, Porges, Tronik 2024). This theory embraces complexity, values multiple perspectives, and emphasises the potential for practitioners, organisations, and systems to drive meaningful change through relational and collaborative systemic practices.

The Trauma-transformative practice with families workshop aims to transform the way professionals understand and engage with children, young people, and their families impacted by trauma. The workshop explores what “family” means from multiple perspectives. The shift from a trauma-informed paradigm to a trauma-transformative paradigm embraces deep relational safety, meaning making, compassion and hope with families. We also explore the Realising Deep Safety Model as a sequenced therapeutic process that connects family relationships, physiology, metaphors, and play.

Complex developmental trauma has a significant impact on children, families and their relationships. Families who care for children and/or family members who have experienced trauma may face significant difficulties in experiencing safe relational exchanges and communication. The broader impact of this trauma has implications for how carers, practitioners, programs, and systems support families. Relational concepts including compassionate awareness and playful attunement are key components in healing for families.

Participants will gain an understanding of the importance of all relationships to hold therapeutic intent. Relationships that are resourced, purposeful and intentional provide the support that children and young people need to heal within in the context of their families and the systems around them. This focus on therapeutic intent establishes relational safety, provides opportunities for relational repair and utilises developmentally appropriate responses to children.

This workshop will resource you with foundational knowledge about the neurobiology of trauma and will also enhance your understanding of trauma-transformative practice with updated conceptual frameworks and application practices. The training will adapt this knowledge to develop approaches and contextualise strategies for working with families whose relationships and connections are impacted by trauma. Having completed the workshop, you will feel more confident in your practice when working with families and the systems around families.