Breaking Down the Stigma aims to provide attorneys with a general description of trauma and the science behind it, as well as an introduction to the connection between unresolved trauma and its impact on an individual’s mental health. It will bring to light the universality of trauma which will assist in breaking down the stigma of experiencing mental health challenges.
By taking the ACES survey, attorneys will identify past trauma that may have manifested into their own current mental health needs and will discuss ways to help address those needs. In addition to the ACEs portion of the personal reflection, attorneys will learn to evaluate their own self-care. By identifying mental health signs and symptoms, participants will be able to explore and discuss current stressors specifically related to their jobs. As a result of exploring their own mental health needs, attorneys will not only be able to take care of themselves better, but to also be the best possible advocates for clients.
Through presentation and interaction, participants will learn about trauma’s prevalence in the Evanston community, and how to recognize and identify the mental health needs within themselves, which will enable participants to effectively interact with the population served by the Moran Center for Youth Advocacy. The workshop will also provide participants with the tools needed to effectively navigate the complexities of working with clients who are suffering from different levels of mental health needs. Participants will leave this workshop with a toolbox of skills for taking better care of themselves, which will ultimately help to effectively advocate for this vulnerable population.
Location: Erie Family Health Center, 1285 Hartrey Ave, Evanston, IL 60202
Time: 5:30-7:30
Date: June 4, 2019
MCLE: 1.75 general CLE approved. Included 1hr Mental Health PR Credit is pending approval.
Register at: https://bit.ly/2PZdE61
Suggested donation of $25-50 can be made at moran-center.org/donate!
AGENDA 5:00-7:30PM
5:00-5:30 Refreshments and light dinner, gathering and set-up
5:30-5:45 Overview of Moran Center for Youth Advocacy services and volunteer opportunities
5:45-5:55 What is trauma and complex trauma?
- Defining different types of stress
- Brain science behind trauma
5:55-6:30 The ACE Study: Adverse Childhood Experiences
- Destigmatizing trauma through each attorney’s personal completion of and reflection on the ACE survey
- Outcomes of the national ACE Study
- Discussion on impact of attorney’s own trauma background and the mental health implications of unaddressed trauma
- Discussion of participants’ experience and reactions to the ACE study and survey
6:30-6:50 The Trauma Informed Perspective
- Discussion about Moran Center trauma data from 2016
- Resiliency
- Trauma-Informed Advocacy
6:50-7:20 Mental Health Needs
- Signs and Symptoms
- Attorney Self-Care
7:20-7:30 Q&A
