Marsh Sponsors Trauma Presenter, Dr. Bruce Perry
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The Marsh Foundation was proud to be a sponsor of a recent collaborative training event in Mercer County. Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD, who is well known for his clinical and basic neuroscience research. Dr. Perry’s clinical research and practice has focused on high-risk children. This work has examined the cognitive, behavioral, emotional, social, and physiological effects of neglect and trauma in children, adolescents and adults. This work has been instrumental in describing how childhood experiences, including neglect and traumatic stress, change the biology of the brain - and, thereby, the health of the child.
According to Marsh’s clinical service’s supervisor, Annette Herrmann, LISW-S, the training was a great opportunity for Marsh staff to learn more about how the brain works and how events in the lives of children impact how they behave. In addition to sponsoring the event, The Marsh had several staff members in attendance. “He spoke about how life events affect the brain and how these things manifest into behaviors,” Herrmann said.
She said they took away more ways in which to work with the youth at The Marsh. “He shared tools that we can use to help kids with their coping skills, which is extremely helpful to us.”
Dr. Perry’s clinical research over the last ten years has been focused on integrating emerging principles of developmental neuroscience into clinical practice. This work has resulted in the development of innovative clinical practices and programs working with maltreated and traumatized children. These approaches to clinical problem solving have been integrated into the programs at dozens of large public and non-profit organizations serving at-risk children and their families.
In addition, his experience as a clinician and a researcher with traumatized children has led many community and governmental agencies to consult Dr. Perry following high-profile incidents involving traumatized children such as the Columbine school shootings, the September 11th terrorist attacks and the Sandy Hook Elementary school shootings.
“We were fortunate to have such an informative and educational opportunity so close to home,” she added. CEUs were also made available for Counseling, Social Work and Teaching. Other sponsors of the event included Mercer County Job and Family Services, the Tri County Mental Health Board, Mercer County D.D., Mercer County ESC, Kip and Mary Wright and Foundations.
Photo caption: Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD, a well known clinician and researcher, recently presented to a group of local professionals regarding the effects of trauma on children and their brains. Dr. Perry’s experience has led him to be contacted for consultation following high-profile incidents involving traumatized children such as the Columbine school shootings, the September 11th terrorist attacks and the Sandy Hook Elementary school shootings.