Trauma in Schools #2 — Therapeutic Interventions and System Change

Dr. Sandy Bloom — One of the founders of and current Chair of CTIPP, the Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy & Practice.

The Takeaway

“What's most important for teachers to learn is how they can create a safe community, because they have a great opportunity in the classroom to be an antidote to whatever the kids are going through at home. And they have a longer time with the children than anybody else has. Therapy isn't the quick and dirty answer here. There will never be enough therapists. There will never be enough money to pay for therapy for all the kids that need it. Teachers need to know how to create a safe community in the school within which the natural healing processes that children have can unfold. The classroom is going to need to be safe enough for them to take some risks, and that's what they're going to have to do.” — Dr. Sandy Bloom

“We know given the rate of exposure to childhood adversity, it would be impossible for a school teacher not to have kids who had experienced childhood adversity, it just wouldn't. And a teacher may have a classroom where most of the kids have experi… — “We know given the rate of exposure to childhood adversity that it would be impossible for a school teacher not to have kids who had experienced childhood adversity. It just wouldn't be. And a teacher may have a classroom where most of the kids have already experienced really bad things.”

Our guest

Dr. Sandra Bloom is a board-certified psychiatrist, associate professor of health management and policy at the Dornsife School of Public Health, and founder of PRESENCE. From 1980-2001, Dr. Bloom served as Founder and Executive Director of Sanctuary Programs, as well as President of the Alliance for Creative Development. Dr. Bloom is also a past President of of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies and author and co-author of a series of books on trauma-informed care.

Dr. Bloom is one of the founders of and currently serves as the Chair of CTIPP, the Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy & Practice.

As you listen

How does a lack of respect for diversity impact childhood and have a lasting effect on adulthood?
What is a trauma-organized individual?
Why do children engage in “problem behaviors”?
Why is it crucial for cognitive development to be implemented in teacher and administrative training?
How and when can teachers create a safe environment for students?
What is the “Safety Plan” and how is this helpful in the classroom and at home?