Trauma, Trust, and Healing: A Therapist’s Guide for Mentors with Stephanie Becker

In this episode, psychotherapist Stephanie Becker shares how trauma impacts youth who have experienced foster care, instability, and loss.Stephanie breaks down Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) in simple terms so mentors and caring adults can better understand how therapy helps young people process trauma and reshape negative beliefs about themselves.Together, they discuss how trauma shows up in transitional-age youth, why young people may push away support, and how mentors can build trust with youth who have experienced broken relationships. The conversation also covers how to respond to emotional triggers, support youth in therapy without overstepping, and help young people rebuild identity, confidence, and resilience.This episode is a powerful guide for mentors, foster parents, educators, and anyone supporting trauma-impacted youth.What You'll Learn:• What Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is• How EMDR therapy helps youth process trauma• Why foster youth may push away relationships• How trauma can show up as behavior, withdrawal, or testing boundaries• Practical ways mentors can build trust and emotional safety• How to respond when youth experience triggers or emotional escalation• Grounding tools mentors can use in difficult moments• How mentors can help youth build identity, resilience, and self-worthIf you’re passionate about supporting young people through mentorship and trauma-informed care:Subscribe to The Mentor Lab for more conversations on mentorship, youth development, and healing.Follow us on all platforms @teenleadershipfoundationwww.teenleadershipfoundation.orgTo learn more about Stephanie's work:https://www.stephaniebeckertherapy.org#TraumaInformedCare#FosterYouth#MentorshipMatters#TraumaTherapy#EMDR