Leah Harris, M.A., is a mother, advocate, and storyteller who has written and spoken widely about her lived experiences of trauma, addiction, mental health challenges, and healing/resilience. She is passionate about promoting trauma-informed approaches across systems, sectors, and communities, and is a national lead trainer in the Trauma-Informed Peer Support curriculum developed for SAMHSA’s National Center for Trauma-Informed Care. She is also a suicide attempt survivor who works to help change our national approach to suicide prevention and intervention to be more trauma-responsive and informed by the lived experience of attempt and loss survivors. Leah is also devoted to sharing mind-body resilience skills and creative expressive arts, including theatre and storytelling, as vehicles for trauma resolution and personal and collective healing and empowerment. To learn more about her and her work visit leahidaharris.com
Trauma Informed Peer Support
Speaker: Leah Harris
Healing from trauma happens in relationship: we know this from both neuroscience and from lived experience. And it’s why peer support is at the center of any trauma-informed program or approach. But what does it mean to provide “trauma-informed” peer support? This webinar will provide an introductory overview of the principles of trauma-informed approaches and their application to peer support through the development of mutual, reciprocal relationships. Other topics to be covered include: peer support and self-awareness; trauma and its impact; trauma and substance use; and cultural considerations.