The body really does keep score: Trauma, Regulation and the Nervous System

"Stop asking, 'What is wrong with you?' Start asking, 'What happened to you?' In our new episode of Relational Practice: A Social Work Podcast, Dr. Jodie Park and Rose Mackey dive deep into applying a Trauma Lens to Emotional and Behavioural Regulation. Think about an Iceberg: the behaviour you see is just the tip. Beneath the surface are protective, biological responses rooted in trauma. Key takeaways for practitioners:✅ Definition: The shift from being 'trauma-informed' to 'trauma-responsive' (SAMHSA).✅ Neurobiology: Understanding the Polyvagal Theory (Ventral Vagal, Sympathetic, Dorsal Vagal) and why a body gets 'stuck on alert.'✅ Strategy: Why we must prioritize co-regulation (Regulate-Relate-Reason) to promote individual healing. We advocate for a focus that promotes using a reparative relationship in an intentional way. Whether you work with children, families, individuals or groups, this discussion will fundamentally change how you view 'challenging' behaviour.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and our new YouTube page for more content! Send any practice stories, episode suggestions, or anything social work related to [email protected]. If you like our podcast, please take a minute to rate, review, and subscribe. This helps others find us and helps us continue to create valuable content. Music by Hannah ParkEditing by Angus Pinkstone