Center For Healing Childhood Trauma

Derek Clark embodies the indomitable spirit of resilience and redemption, a testament to the unwavering human capacity for triumph in the face of adversity. From the tender age of five, Derek Clark was thrust into a world of cruelty and abandonment, enduring the unthinkable trauma of brutal child abuse and neglect. Abandoned at an emergency psychiatric facility by his mother (father was in prison), Derek found himself labeled, misdiagnosed and placed in a shelter for un-adoptable children.

For the next thirteen years, Derek traversed the rocky terrain of foster care, navigating a landscape marred by rejection, humiliation, and overwhelming emotional turmoil. But amid the darkness, Derek clung to a flicker of hope, refusing to succumb to the despair that threatened to engulf him.

Instead of allowing his past to dictate his future, Derek chose resilience. With unwavering determination, he transformed himself from a victim into a victor, defying the artificial boundaries imposed upon him by circumstance. In the depths of his struggle, Derek unearthed a reservoir of inner strength, a boundless wellspring of resilience that propelled him forward.

Through sheer force of will, Derek discovered that his past did not define him; rather, it served as a crucible for his evolution. Drawing upon his inner wealth, he forged a path of redemption, refusing to be shackled by the chains of his traumatic history.

Today, Derek is known for his inspirational speeches, a living testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome even the darkest of trials. His journey serves as a reminder that no obstacle is insurmountable, no setback too formidable. With perseverance and unwavering resolve, Derek Clark proves that redemption is not merely a possibility—it is a promise within reach for all who dare to embrace it.

As parents, we have values about creating an ideal environment for our family. Examples of values might be aspirational ideas about safety, personal growth, health, spiritual formation, etc. We live in a complex world where “normal” patterns of behavior sabotage flourishing. This seminar will include insights from world-renown authors and researchers on the addictive and dangerous nature of technology/cell phones, the standard American diet, insufficient sleep, etc. Attendees will leave with research-informed ways to immediately implement wellbeing practices for themselves and their families. 

Trauma can cause us to question the nature and character of God. Can God really be trusted? Does God really care? Trauma also can lead to self-doubt and false beliefs about our core identity. Gideon, a character from the book of Judges in the bible, experienced deep doubt in God and in himself as a result of his traumatic experiences. God met Gideon in the depth of his darkness and despair, changed how Gideon saw himself, and helped Gideon recover a deep trust in God. This class will provide inspiration and helpful tools as you journey through trauma or help others in their journey.

It's a safe bet that all of us have been impacted by addiction in some way, shape, or form. This session will help provide insight to why people impacted by substance use behave the way they do from a clinical and neurological perspective. We'll then explore how addictions impact relationships, how to set boundaries with compassion, ways to prevent enabling, and generally improve clarity on how to support the children we serve who have been impacted by addiction through the adults in their lives.

This session is designed to give individuals a hands-on approach to ways they can put into practice coping skills, relaxation techniques, and co-regulation techniques.  Attendees will practice different ways to do deep breathing exercises, seeking to understand the window of tolerance in a kid friendly way. They will explore how to utilize “brain breaks” at home or in the classroom to support healthy brain activity and help with regulation, and give them ways to practice safe words/phrases for their home or classroom. By the end of this session I hope everyone feels equipped and hopeful to handle those “hard” days.

The stories we tell help us interpret life’s events and circumstances, but they also shape our reality. How we tell stories—to ourselves and others—can limit or empower us. In this interactive session, we will discover the role of internal narratives and explore characteristics of thought patterns that empower us and the young people we serve. 

Combining cognitive behavioral therapy tools and positive psychology principles, we will provide and practice strategies you can begin using today to reframe narratives and increase optimism, hope, gratitude, and self-determination for yourself and the young people you serve. 

Like culture, trauma can be passed down from one generation to the next. The behaviors and patterns that result from traumatic experiences, when left unattended to, lead to relationships and environments that perpetuate more trauma. How does this happen? When does it stop? How does one stop this cycle? Using a combination of current literature and personal experience, therapist and generational trauma survivor, Lyndsay Mack will share what it means to receive a broken inheritance, as well as the process of healing and leaving a new legacy.

"I didn't know I had trauma until I became a parent." Neither did we. Discovering, uncovering, or beginning to really examine childhood trauma for the first time as an adult now raising children can feel incredibly overwhelming. Join us for a safe group discussion on parents' dealing with their own trauma and how to tame the emotional and behavioral consequences in parenting. We will explore the neuroscience behind the impact of childhood trauma, teach grounding techniques for trauma survivors, and provide solution focused strategies for parents.

If you run small groups or mental health programs for youth, then this session is for you! Caregivers and professionals in a variety of settings can use Nurture Groups to promote healthy relationships and proactively teach various skills to children and teens.  In this session participants will actively engage in a Nurture Group to experience first-hand what it is like. Natasha will share tips and tricks to customize these groups based on settings and objectives. This session will be fun, educational, and helpful.

If you are trauma parenting, we know you will appreciate hearing from, and laughing alongside this amazing group. Join our panel of experienced caregivers, therapists, and advocates as they share their insights, challenges, and triumphs in navigating the complex journey of parenting children who have experienced trauma.

Have you ever felt like giving up on God? I have. This is my journey from feeling abandoned to embraced by Him. For years, anger weighed me down, questioning why He didn't rescue me from a troubled childhood. Each disappointment deepened my conviction that He wasn't guiding me. I even secretly despised Him. A near-death experience, however, challenged my irreligious stance, reshaping my view of tragedy, hope, and suffering. I learned to see adversity as a path to gratitude. This is a story of rediscovering God and His presence in my life, even in the darkest of times.

Healing trauma can be a challenging process, especially for those in settings. But what if we could integrate, faith-centered practices with trauma-informed care? Join us for a breakout session on” Healing Trauma for Those in Our Care: Embracing Biblical Principles of Love and Restoration.“

In this session, we will explore practical approaches to applying biblical teachings of love, compassion, and restoration to address, trauma, experienced by individuals in care settings. Discover how to nurture, supportive environments and foster resilience, all while promoting healing and empowerment for those in your care and yourself.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to effectively integrate faith-based principles into your caregiving role. Join us and gain valuable insights into the intersection of trauma care and faith.

Traumatic experiences can affect almost every part of our lives, most certainly including relationships. This session will discuss the ways that trauma impacts our relational capacity, ways to help trauma survivors find safety in their own bodies and minds, and work toward healthier relationships in the future. If you're a trauma survivor, have foster children, have adopted children who have experienced trauma, or work with traumatized people, this talk is for you.

So, we know the four attachment styles, now what??? 

Parents, Teachers, and Professionals, we invite you to learn about the latest research on attachment and how it affects ALL our relationships!

We all know we are impacted by the way we were parented. Let’s dive deeper into understanding attachment types and how our attachment style directly affects our interactions with our loved ones. In this breakout session you will gain insight into how ruptures occur and how to repair the ruptures to restore a secure attachment with others in your life.  This session will be full of practical applications as well as a deeper understanding of how attachment affects our lives.

Feeling stressed, fatigued, anxious, depressed, angry? Join this experiential workshop focused on building up your own resilience through the arts and mindfulness. "Even a brief amount of time dedicated to taking in art can help soothe anxiety, reduce stress, temper negative emotions." In this session, Vanessa will combine her professional background in mental health with her artist skills to help you experience the connection between creativity and healing. By the end, you'll have gained for yourself what you can begin teaching those in your care. No creative experience needed.

Join us for an inspiring and empowering panel discussion featuring individuals who have triumphed over childhood trauma. In this session, our panel of resilient survivors will share their personal stories of overcoming adversity, resilience, and growth in the face of significant challenges. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of resilience and hope, gaining valuable perspectives on the diverse ways individuals cope with and overcome trauma. Moreover, they will learn about the support systems, coping mechanisms, and resources that can facilitate healing and recovery for survivors of childhood trauma.

This lecture will explore the context and meaning of the life of Mephibosheth. Dr. Dell will also highlight theological and psychological principles featured in this story of Mephibosheth and share clinical and personal reflections. 

Join us for "Breaking Free: Transforming Shame and Guilt into Growth and Empowerment," a workshop designed to help individuals navigate and transform the complex emotions of shame and guilt through faith. Through a mix of presentations, interactive discussions, and practical exercises, you'll explore the origins of these feelings, increase self-awareness, and learn effective coping strategies, all within the framework of understanding how God views us. This session aims to manage negative emotions and turn them into catalysts for personal growth by fostering resilience, self-compassion, and a deeper spiritual connection. It encourages participants to see themselves through the lens of God's love and grace, offering a unique perspective that empowers you to face life's challenges with renewed faith and a positive outlook. Whether you're directly affected by these emotions or supporting others, this workshop offers a safe and faith-filled space for learning, connection, and seeing ourselves as God sees us.

Are you as tired as we are? Are there days you are just not sure you can do it all over again? Are you going through the motions of caring for a child, but thinking to yourself “I Can’t keep doing this?" Those that work with children from hard places, or serve as caregivers for others, are at risk of experiencing secondary traumatic stress or caregiver burnout. Continuing to be emotionally invested in others, even when they block our care, can be exhausting. In this class we discuss the nature of these issues and how to prevent & overcome them.

In this session, George Dennehy will share how the love of a family and the love of the Father have brought him from darkness to light. Adopted from a Romanian orphanage as a child, George now travels the country sharing his story of hope. 

Join mental health professionals and foster/adoptive parents as they share compelling narratives of resilience, growth, and success in the face of adversity. In this session, our panelists will offer firsthand accounts of navigating challenges, overcoming obstacles, and achieving success in their personal and professional lives. Drawing from their experiences working with individuals who have experienced trauma and adversity, mental health professionals will shed light on effective strategies for resilience-building and recovery.

Join George Dennehy to hear more of his story, enjoy some of his amazing guitar and worship skills, and ask questions about his journey.

Burnout has certainly become a buzzword, but often not for the right reasons. If you'd tried some yoga and a few bubble baths, you've probably learned firsthand that those things alone do little to actually treat burnout and compassion fatigue. As a licensed therapist who's been burned out multiple times, I would argue that burnout is really a term for organizations and systems, not people. This workshop will help you understand the complexities of burnout and learn practical tips to actually start preventing it. We'll also explore ways to advocate for yourself and your field.