Keynote address: Creating protected spaces: A journey through trauma and healing
| Friday, November 1, 2024 |
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM |
| Plaza Ballroom |
Overview
Jaycee Dugard and Dr Rebecca Bailey, Co-founders of Polyvagal Equine Institute
Speaker
Dr Rebecca Bailey
Founder
Polyvagal Equine Institute
Creating protected spaces: A journey through trauma and healing
12:00 PM - 1:00 PMAbstract
Dr. Rebecca Bailey and Jaycee Dugard share their experiences through the lens of the survivor and healer, highlighting resilience, recovery, and the power of protected spaces in the face of trauma. Dr. Rebecca Bailey, renowned for her expertise in trauma therapy and family systems, offers invaluable insights into the creation of such spaces for survivors. Drawing from her extensive experience, Dr. Bailey illuminates the multifaceted dynamics of trauma recovery and the essential role of supportive environments. Together, Dr. Bailey and Jaycee Dugard weave a rich tapestry of wisdom, combining personal experiences with professional insights to inspire hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Through their collaborative dialogue, they showcase the transformative power of empathy, compassion, and connection in fostering healing and growth. As they delve into the nuances of trauma and healing, Dr. Bailey and Jaycee Dugard guide audiences on a journey of understanding, empathy, and empowerment. Their keynote serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward creating protected spaces where survivors can find solace, support, and the opportunity to reclaim their lives.
Biography
Dr Rebecca Bailey, Ph.D. is a family psychologist, equestrian and world-renowned professional teacher, speaker, author, and entrepreneur. She is co-founder of the Polyvagal Equine Institute and Connection Focused Therapy and founder of Transitioning Families. She is a consultant with organizations such as The JAYC Foundation, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Malouf Foundation, and the Elizabeth Smart Foundation. With over 35 years of experience in the field, she is dedicated to the notion that authenticity, common sense, and kindness are the crucial components for effective treatment, and that to truly connect with others, we must first understand our own nervous system and its impact on our actions and reactions. Her lifelong relationship with horses and her love for all animals continues to inform her work and understanding of the human condition. She is author of two books: Safe Kids: Smart Parents (2013) and Equine Connections – Polyvagal Principles (2021). Rebecca has also authored numerous articles on polyvagal principles and the application of equine interventions for needy populations. She is lead author with Jaycee Dugard, Dr S Smith, and Dr Porges on an article examining appeasement, which contributed to a change in how rape and resistance is viewed and adjudicated in Japan.
Miss Jaycee Dugard
The Jayc Foundation and Polyvagal Equine Institute
Co-presenter: Creating protected spaces: A journey through trauma and healing
Biography
Jaycee Dugard is an abduction survivor and advocate. Since being rescued from an 18-year abduction in 2009, Jaycee has used her freedom and her voice to share her unique survivor experience. She co-created the JAYC Foundation to help other families who have suffered a familial or non-familial abduction, or other trauma and encourages the collaboration of various organizations to provide ‘Protected Spaces’ for families and individuals to heal. Jaycee is the co-creator of education programs including the Ruthless Kindness’s Empathy Education Curriculum. She is co-founder of the Polyvagal Equine Institute with longtime friends, Dr Rebecca Bailey and equine expert Margie McDonald. Together they share programs, videos and workshops focusing on incorporating horses with understandings of Polyvagal Theory.
Session chair
Lyra L'Estrange
Queensland University of Technology
