In this illuminating masterclass, Jaycee Dugard and Dr. Rebecca Bailey collaborate to redefine trauma survivor experiences by refocusing the clinical lens. Through a blend of personal narratives and clinical insights, they navigate the complexities of trauma recovery, shedding light on the nuanced needs and experiences of survivors. Participants will explore innovative approaches to trauma therapy, delving into the significance of language, identity, and empowerment in the healing journey. With a keen focus on fostering resilience and reclaiming agency, Jaycee and Dr. Bailey offer practical strategies and profound perspectives to support mental health professionals in providing holistic and empowering care to survivors. Join us for an enlightening exploration that transcends traditional paradigms, empowering clinicians to honor the unique narratives and strengths of trauma survivors.

We cannot ask children to be something that they were never taught to be.
We cannot ask children to feel safe when it's something they've not felt.
Traumatised children, with more experience in fear, insecurity, instability, isolation and abandonment feel abundantly limited in their ability to see the world, to explore the world with confidence and the safety to take risks that promote growth and resilience.
That is because they do not have a foundation in safety.
Teachers who show up consistently with students over time, have the opportunity to create a sense of security in children, who would otherwise not have that exposure.
Neuroscientist say that the brain makes association early on in life as to who is safe, what does a safe relationship look and feel like. They say that this becomes the template for future relationships.
With teachers who are kind, caring, nurturing and supportive over time, they are creating safe relationships whilst dismantling unhealthy ones.
I am living proof of such relationships. As someone with lived experience childhood trauma at the hands of my primary caregivers and extended trusted family, teachers became the only model of what safe relationships were. In fact it was these key relationships that encouraged me to seek out similar relationships right throughout my schooling and beyond.
Teachers were the agent for changing my life. Their presence opened up my world of possibilities for my life, for my future.
Without consistent nurturing relationships we do not grow, we do not develop. Instead we live in fear, we live limited lives. Teachers are in a vital position to change and influence so many lives, like they did mine.
I want to share the details of my experience of what happens to a child and the absence of love and why a teacher's influence is so important.