The Center for Mind, Body & Play

As a Trauma Healer & Educator it was an honor to be invited to speak to legislators in our Nations Capital about developmental childhood Trauma effects for children chronically stuck in the middle of high conflict separations.

Children have a biological imperative (which simply means a natural drive) to Love both of their attachment figures.

And, they are undergoing dynamic stages of personality that shapes who they will become as adults.

I believe the more we ALL understand what we know about how developmental trauma happens and how to minimize it during separations and family changes, we can dramatically improve the outcomes for kids.

The fact that advocates and legislators invited Trauma as a part of the equation is huge!

Let’s put our resources on helping parents understand how to be Safer and “Good Enough” and - most importantly, how to make separations more about the child’s Healthy Development and less about the Ending Relationship.

This starts with knowledge and ends with working together.

Because when parents work together, even if they’re in the middle of radical HARD change… the evidence is clear… Children Do Better.

Tomorrow we begin our fifth year hosting a room filled with 60 Healers, for 6 days, who spend their days walking alongside others in the most important moments of their lives.

The intense training they receive will deepen their capacity to offer trauma healing — work that is my greatest passion.

This is the first time I am stepping into a project of this size, in my hometown, since the loss of my favorite person in the world that I didn’t give birth to.

I have spent this week preparing my mind, body and heart to be present, to be alive, and to rediscover meaning in the work.

And it is bubbling.

Alongside my sons and my bonus daughter, we gathered the snacks that will nourish their bodies, arranged a room to support their comfort, set the screen to engage their minds, and prepared myself to touch their hearts and souls.

I feel the ice thawing in me and the heat rising.

Wish us luck tomorrow.

With great love and readiness,

Andie

When kids suffer big Traumas, our Healers go to them. Even on Sundays. ❣️

Why - because no matter how big “the thing” is… the earlier we partner with the child, we can minimize or even eliminate PTSD!

Here me say this, humans are capable of enduring immense struggles, it’s to the degree that we do it alone that makes it traumatic. So if you, and especially your kiddos endure something big, reach out to a Healer as soon as you can. We’ll be happy you did…and so will you.

With love, Ms. Andie