Parenting of all kinds is a rewarding yet demanding journey on its own. When trauma intertwines with our responsibilities as a caregiver, raising children can feel much more overwhelming and isolating. Whether we are healing from our own trauma or supporting our children through theirs, parenting through trauma presents unique challenges. But we don’t have to do it alone.

Welcome to Parenting Through Trauma – a compassionate community where we can navigate trauma together while building resilient families. Led by Dr. Carol Chu-Peralta, Ph.D., Founder and Clinical Director of Center for Resiliency, this group offers caregivers a supportive environment to navigate the complexities of trauma while nurturing our children. Dr. Chu-Peralta is a bilingual (English and Spanish) parent and licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in trauma therapy, depression, and anxiety treatment. Her clinical expertise and passion for helping underserved families make her an ideal guide for parents who want to raise emotionally healthy children while navigating their own healing journey.

Key Topics for Raising Children Through Trauma

In each session, we will explore how trauma impacts parenting and children’s development while promoting healing and resilience:

• How Trauma Affects Parenting: Trauma can affect our approach to parenting. We’ll explore how trauma shapes our interactions and reactions.
• Identifying and Addressing Triggers: We’ll learn to recognize trauma-related triggers in ourselves and our children, using tools like grounding techniques and mindfulness exercises.
• Healing-Centered Parenting Tools: We’ll explore strategies such as mindful parenting, consistent routines, and emotional validation to foster a nurturing home.
• Helping Children Understand and Heal from Trauma: We’ll learn to talk to children about their trauma in an age-appropriate way, helping them navigate emotions and model healthy coping mechanisms.
• Managing Stress and Emotional Overload: This group will offer strategies to manage emotional overload and reduce stress while balancing our own healing with our children’s needs.
• Building Strong, Trusting Relationships: We’ll explore ways to rebuild connection and trust, nurturing a safe, supportive relationship within our families.
• Breaking the Cycle of Trauma: We’ll address early childhood trauma and patterns of intimate partner violence, working together to prevent trauma from repeating across generations.
• Understanding Trauma Responses (Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn): We’ll discuss how to recognize these responses and practice strategies for calming both the body and mind.

Who Is It For?

• Parents and caregivers healing from personal trauma who want to parent from resilience.
• Individuals supporting children through trauma from family dynamics, community violence, or personal loss.
• Caregivers seeking a balanced approach to self-care and compassionate parenting.

Why Join?

• Safe Space: A nurturing, non-judgmental environment to share experiences and challenges.
• Balanced Healing: Learn to heal yourself while fostering your child’s emotional and psychological well-being.
• Parenting Tools: Gain practical strategies for parenting through trauma, including stress management and resilience modeling.
• Guidance from Experience: Benefit from Dr. Chu-Peralta’s insights as a trauma specialist and advocate for resilient parenting.

Agenda

6:00-6:05 Opening Remarks

• Introduction to the group and objectives
• Creating a safe, supportive space for caregivers

6:05-6:20 Building Community Through Shared Experience

• Attendees may but are not required to briefly share current parenting challenges (cameras on or off)

6:20-6:35 Interactive Discussion: Parenting Through Trauma

• Key topics include trauma’s impact on parenting, recognizing triggers, and parenting tools for healing.

6:35-6:50 Peer to Peer Support

• Breakout groups for focused support and connection

6:50-7:00 Closing Reflections

Setting intentions for personal and family growth until the next meeting

Sharing key takeaways from the breakout session