Managing Your Own Trauma and Defense Reactions in the Workplace

Working with families who have experienced trauma is both powerful and deeply human work. As early intervention specialists, we bring not only our expertise but also our whole selves into every family interaction. But what happens when the trauma we witness in others activates something in us?

It’s not uncommon for professionals in helping roles to experience stress, emotional triggers, or even trauma responses of their own while working with families in high-stress situations. This internal experience—while natural—can interfere with our ability to show up fully and effectively for the people we support.

That’s why we’ve developed the workshop "Managing Your Own Trauma and Defense Reactions"—to give early intervention professionals the tools to navigate their own responses with self-awareness, intention, and compassion.

Why This Matters

When we encounter emotionally intense stories or behaviors, our nervous systems respond instinctively. We might shut down, become overly controlling, emotionally distant, or overly involved. These are defense reactions—our brain’s way of trying to protect us. Left unchecked, they can lead to burnout, strained relationships with families, and even ethical concerns.

Understanding your own trauma triggers and stress responses is not just good practice—it’s essential for sustainability and professionalism in trauma-informed work.

Workshop Objectives

In this engaging and reflective training, participants will:

• Identify personal stress, trauma triggers, or defense mechanisms that arise in high-stress family interactions.

• Develop strategies for self-regulation, including mindfulness and grounding techniques that can be used in real time.

• Create a personalized self-care plan to maintain healthy boundaries and promote long-term well-being.

Interactive Highlight: Trigger Reflection and Self-Care Planning

One of the most powerful components of this workshop is our Trigger Reflection and Self-Care Plan activity. In this guided exercise, participants identify situations or behaviors that activate their personal defense responses. From there, they’ll craft a tailored self-care plan that includes:

• Quick grounding techniques for use during a visit

• Mindfulness practices for before and after sessions

• Boundaries and supports that reinforce emotional resilience

Participants will then partner up to share their plans and receive feedback, helping to build community and accountability.

For Further Reading

To deepen your understanding of trauma-informed practices and self-regulation in professional roles, check out these related blog posts from our site:

• "How Trauma-Informed Supervision Can Build Stronger Resilience in the Workplace": This article discusses the importance of understanding trauma's impact on individuals and how supervisors can create supportive environments that foster resilience among employees. ​

• "Dive into Psychological Safety with Debra Cady on A Trauma-Informed Future Podcast": This post highlights a podcast episode featuring Debra Cady, CEO of Silver Linings International, discussing the significance of psychological safety in the workplace and its role in enhancing mental health and reducing stress. ​

These articles provide additional insight into the emotional demands of early intervention and practical ways to support yourself in the work.

Go Deeper with Our Courses

This workshop is just one part of a broader suite of trauma-informed trainings offered by Silver Linings International. For professionals who want to dig deeper into topics like emotional regulation, reflective supervision, and self-care in the context of family support work, we invite you to explore our full course offerings.

Looking for something more specific? We also offer customized trainings tailored to the needs of your organization or field. Whether you're in early childhood, healthcare, social work, or education, we can adapt this workshop to meet your team’s unique challenges and goals.

Enroll Now

Let’s Support the Supporters

At Silver Linings, we believe that caring for others starts with caring for ourselves. If you're ready to build resilience, deepen self-awareness, and lead with compassion—this training is for you.

👉 Contact us to explore our full training menu, or discuss a custom session for your team.