Understanding Trauma, the Brain, and the Body

Trauma is often misunderstood, both in how it forms and how it shows up in everyday life. In this session, Sarah Livingston, LCSW, EMDR-certified therapist with Ladder of Hope, will guide participants through what trauma is and is not, the role of Adverse Childhood Experiences and cumulative harm, how stress affects the developing brain, and why many trauma responses are adaptive and protective.

The conversation intentionally shifts the focus from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”, with an emphasis on safety, nervous system regulation, and the protective factors that support healing and resilience.

The program also includes gentle, guided journaling led by Glastonbury Poet Laureate Victoria Nordlund, offering writing as an optional and approachable tool for reflection, grounding, and self-connection.