Trauma Informed Parenting

Trauma Informed, Embodied Parenting and Caregiving (Davon Center)

A support workshop for parents and caregivers navigating the complexities of raising kids

Being a parent or caregiver is not easy. We are all doing our best to raise children with

empathy and compassion. Stress and trauma can feel like a barrier to good parenting. In this

workshop, Hala Khouri, a trauma specialist, and parent, will share with you a trauma informed

framework for parenting and caregiving that can support you to care for yourself and those

who depend on you.

Our trauma and pain don’t have to break us, they can also be the source of our empathy and

strength. Join Hala for an experiential workshop where she will offer some tangible tools to

support your own health and growth so you can cope and face whatever challenges life puts in

front of you.

Some concept that we will discuss and explore together are:

 Self-awareness is key. Most of the time when we are upset at our kids it has to do with

our own fears and insecurities. Embodied parenting is about being connected to our

own sensations, emotions and impulses so we know what we are bringing to our

interactions with our children and not letting our unconscious stuff cloud our

perceptions and actions.

 Developmental Psychology 101- understanding some foundational concepts around

how our kids are developing can provide some context for their behavior. This can help

us be more empathetic and less frustrated when they are exhibiting age-appropriate

behavior that is challenging.

 The importance of mirroring- our kids need us to see them- not save them! We’ll learn

simple, age-appropriate mirroring techniques that can help settle and build connection

whether you’re dealing with an angry toddler or an indignant teen.

 The power of discomfort. Kids need to be uncomfortable, it’s how they grow. Yet our

impulse is to shield them from pain- of course it is! When we protect them too much, or

too little, they can’t thrive. Understanding what is traumatic and what is not, can help

guide our decisions.

 Community. The model of the nuclear family is an extension of rugged individualism.

We cannot parent without community to hold us. This looks different for everyone and

each of us can work towards building a web of support in our own way. For caregivers

who have kids with mental health issues, this includes having quality mental health care

for the whole family as well as community support.

Hala Khouri, M.A., SEP, E-RYT (she/her), is a sought-after speaker and

trainer on the topic of trauma informed care, embodied social justice,

trauma informed education and resilience. She has been teaching yoga

and movement for over 25 years and has been doing clinical work and

trainings for 15 years. Originally from Beirut, Lebanon, Hala has

dedicated her life to the study of trauma, justice and building

resilience. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Columbia University

and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology and an M.A. in Community

Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Hala is also trained in

Somatic Experiencing , a body-based psychotherapy that helps resolve

trauma and its symptoms.

Hala is a co-founder of Off the Mat, Into the World , a training

organization that bridges yoga and activism within a social justice

framework and an Adjunct Professor at Pitzer College. She leads

Collective Resilience trauma informed yoga and somatics trainings

nationally. Hala also trains direct service providers and educators to be

trauma informed and culturally responsive. She leads a monthly,

online membership program called Radical Wellbeing which supports

people through embodied practices and community building. She is the

author of Peace from Anxiety: Get Grounded, Build Resilience and Stay

Connected Amidst the Chaos (Shambhala). She lives in Venice, CA

with her husband and two sons.

www.halakhouri.com