Trauma in School and at Home: What Every Teacher and Parent Should Know

In this powerful episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker is joined by childhood trauma expert Shahana Knight, founder of TPC Therapy and the visionary behind the Therapeutic Schools approach. Together, they unpack how childhood trauma affects learning, behaviour, and wellbeing—and why traditional classroom models often fall short. Shahana shares her deeply personal story, how her father’s struggles with trauma inspired her work, and the evidence-backed changes schools can make to create therapeutic environments. From the power of play to the impact of overstimulation and digital overload, this episode is full of insights for educators, parents, and caregivers. 💙 Sponsored by Carers Card UK Are you caring for someone, paid or unpaid? You could be missing out on thousands of pounds in discounts. Carers Card UK offers: ID card with emergency info access Exclusive discounts on gyms, days out, electrical goods, and more Access to a wellbeing hub, Carers Circle tool, and mobile app All for less than the price of a box of chocolates per year. 🎟️ Order your card today 🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned TPC Therapy Website: www.tpctherapy.co.uk Shahana Knight’s Book: Therapeutic Teaching Therapeutic Classroom Tour (YouTube): Watch Here The Able Hub: www.ablehub.uk – Free 14-day trial for carers and educators Andy Baker’s Book: Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge 🧠 Three Key Messages Trauma Lives in the Body and the Classroom: Children with trauma often enter school in survival mode—traditional models miss this completely. Environment Shapes Regulation: A therapeutic classroom isn't just pretty—it's scientifically designed to calm stress and promote emotional safety. Adults Must Heal Too: You can't be truly trauma-informed without recognising and managing your own emotional triggers. ⏱️ Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & Sponsor: Carers Card UK 02:00 – Meet Shahana Knight 04:00 – The Origin of Therapeutic Classrooms 09:00 – Trauma's Impact on Learning & Self-Regulation 15:00 – Tech Overload: Why Kids Are Always in Fight or Flight 21:00 – Parenting in Survival Mode 28:00 – Signs of Trauma in Schoolchildren 35:00 – What a Therapeutic Classroom Looks Like 45:00 – Autonomy, Motivation & Emotional Literacy 55:00 – The Role of Educators Beyond Academics 01:00:00 – What’s Next for TPC Therapy 🎯 Why Listen to This Episode? Whether you’re a teacher, caregiver, parent, or school leader, this conversation is a masterclass in trauma-informed practice. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by a child’s behaviour and didn’t know where to start—this episode is for you. Learn how to see beyond the behaviour and create environments that heal, not harm.