People often ask why I specialize in trauma in my clinical work. The word sounds intense, and can get us imagining things like war or violence. But trauma is actually much more common than we realize. Because it’s really a moment of shock, when we’re not prepared to handle something for the first time and don’t know what to do. Most of us have experienced these moments in childhood, and know that it’s really scary to feel unprepared during a shock.

 

Teams experience traumas that aren’t too dissimilar. It often begins with an underlying issue: ambivalence on the company mission, or conflicts between team members that aren’t openly discussed. If not addressed, these issues build up over time but eventually come out in some dramatic way - an employee suddenly quitting, or a familiar co-worker becoming vindictive to us. These are shocks when we don’t see them coming, and typically we haven’t been taught how to respond to them.

 

A resilient work culture can better absorb these shocks. We can’t predict all the unknowns, but teams can be equipped with skills for navigating an increasingly complex modern world. That’s why I use a trauma-informed approach for thriving amidst, and even due to, uncertainty. Whether it’s improving communication and team-building, improving self-awareness and self-management skills, or sparking creative insights that advance innovation, my mission is ________