Ideas of trauma are shifting, according to Deborah Joyce, executive director of the Family Resource Association in Parksville, and the timing was right for a local conference on the effects — especially on youth.
People used to think only the biggest events caused trauma, but today there is more of an understanding of the impact of smaller events on children’s development, she said.
“What might seem insignificant to some people, someone else might carry around with them and wonder what’s wrong with them,” she said.
The conference features guest speakers Yvonne Haist, a clinical counselor from Victoria, and internationally renown speaker Dr. Martin Brokenleg.
Brokenleg, author of 17 books, is director of Native Ministries and professor of First Nations Theology and Ministry at the Vancouver School of Theology among a long list of credentials.
The two day conference will address complex trauma in children and youth followed by a half day session on sexual abuse intervention.
There will also be presentations of innovative projects for children and youth.
Put together by the District 69 Family Resource Association, Victoria’s Mary Manning Centre and the Ministry of Children and Family Development, the conference costs $140 per person.
Joyce said there are people who work in all aspects of children’s development coming from all over the province and she encourages locals to grab the last few seats available.
Within the Circle takes place November 16 and 17 at the Beach Club Resort.
Contact the FRA at 250-752-6766 or check www.D69FRA.org.
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