Do you remember the children's rhyme?

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me"

Me and my little 'Minot Street gang' would use this phrase as a shield against any unwelcome comments from others. 

That's me at the top of the stairs, my sister Janie is in the front row right.  We're all dolled up for Easter hanging with our neighborhood besties.  

I remember using that phrase as a small girl, puffing myself up, hands on my tiny hips,  expecting the words of that rhyme to work some kind of magic that would take away the hurt the words left behind.

It's not just words directed at you that can hurt but the words that are used by others around you that can also create hurt, altering your perception, challenging your allegiance, and undermining your equanimity.  

Words spoken by individuals with authority wield even more power. 

Power for good and power for hurt.

Spoken or written, words create reality, they convey intention, perception and judgment.

Words can be uplifting and empowering or they can be crushing and dismissive.  Words can hurt or heal deeply as they are embedded into one's soul. 

And yet, despite their inherent power, many of us don't give our words a second thought.  They become part of our lexicon and we become numb to their meaning and power. 

Words are like the Lego blocks of life; with the right words, mindful, trauma informed words, one can create a milieu that reflects love and respect, honors personhood, potential and creativity.

Without the mindful use of words, we are left with deep hurt that may often go unseen, unnoticed, deemed unimportant as we rationalize the use of words that were not intended to be hurtful, but hurt, nonetheless.

As aspiring trauma informed professionals it is our duty, our primary admonition to  FIRST DO NO HARM!

In healthcare we have forms and documents filled with words that have been stripped bare of any attachment to humanity.  Our selection of objective language objectifies those we are here to serve, and ourselves as well.

We create jargon and use words meant to economize on time and create efficiency and objectivity but in the wake of this lexicon lies broken hearts, shattered souls and unresolved hurt that lasts lifetimes.

As my team wraps up the final two modules for the  Trauma Informed Professional Certificate Program,  we have had lots of discussion about trauma informed language, mindful language, and the words we hear around us as we serve others in crisis.  What we have concluded is that yes, sticks and stones may break your bones, but mindless words can crush souls and break hearts.

Trauma informed language isn't just for the hospital setting.  Being mindful of the words we choose to use is relevant in any setting.  I know we don't intend to hurt others with our words.  The words we use and choose are habits that have been acculturated over time.

I propose it's time to break that habit and invite you to practice mindfulness when you choose your words.  It's a slow process, but as my mother-in-law says: an inch is a cinch, a yard is too hard. 

Begin by noticing the words you choose and reflect on what that word says about your relationship with the other person (and yourself).  The self-talk we use can often be even harsher and less thoughtful than the words we choose to use with others, another opportunity to reflect on the language we use and its implications for healing and hurt.

If this subject interests you then I strongly encourage you to check out the  Trauma Informed Professional Assessment-based Certificate Program. 

This program takes you on a journey of self-discovery and growth to unbundle old ways of thinking, doing and speaking and uncover new ways of being in the world.

This  assessment-based certificate program  offers both live (virtual) and self-paced curriculum grounded by the  8 Attributes of the Trauma Informed Professional .  The attributes reflect competencies required for completion of this certificate program. 

You may download the program outline   HERE

This super unique approach to certification supports your development to become a leader for change empowered to walk the talk!

Becoming Trauma Informed is about embodying the attributes of a Trauma Informed Professional.

Let's rewrite the lexicon and language we use with each other, with families in crisis and with the tiny humans we are privileged to serve.

Don't miss this opportunity, enroll now, even if you can't begin till next year to take advantage of this special early bird pricing 

Now through the end of 2020 the Trauma Informed Professional Certificate Program tuition is 50% off the 2021 pricing. 

Are you an innovator? An early adopter? A mover and a shaker? 

Are you ready to step out of line, challenge the status quo and champion the needs of vulnerable populations around the world?

Becoming  a trauma-informed professional is the starting point for this journey.  It's about walking the talk; making your knowledge of the science, soul and skills of trauma-informed care live and breathe every day, in everything you do.

I would love to chat with you and explore how the  Trauma Informed Professional Certificate Program  is the right fit for you!

REGISTER TODAY

We have a pay in full option and installment plan.

We understand it takes a village to transform a culture of care and adopt a trauma informed paradigm, which is why we are offering group discount rates for your team! 

For groups of:

Our current cohort represents multi-disciplinary professionals from the  NICU, CICU, OB/GYN, Industry, former NICU Parents  and beyond. 

This  certificate program  is for  ALL  who interface with vulnerable individuals, families and the clinicians who serve them.

I look forward to sharing this journey with you.

Thanks for reading me. 

Happy Holidays!

Take care and care well, 

Mary