I had the pleasure of attending the 2-Day Hands-On Skills Training Workshop on treating trauma in children, adults, and families, hosted by Silver Lining Psychology Specialist. Allow me to share my experience and give you a glimpse of how the training unfolded!

Bright and early on a Saturday morning, I eagerly made my way to the spacious auditorium at Asia Pacific University (APU). As I settled in, I couldn't help but strike up conversations with the other friendly participants who were equally excited about the workshop. The atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation.

Our hosts, the two emcees, warmly welcomed us and provided an overview of what we could expect from the workshop. To kickstart the day, we were divided into groups, and that's when Dato Dr. Lai Fung Hwa took the stage. With his engaging presence, he led us through an ice-breaking activity that instantly connected me with my groupmates. It was a fantastic way to break the ice and set the stage for collaborative learning.

Next up, Ms. Loh Sit Fong took the spotlight and offered us a brief but insightful introduction to the world of trauma. She delved into topics such as understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the impact of trauma on a person's well-being, the ways it affects memory and senses, and most importantly, how we, as clinicians, can provide support and assistance.

The combination of Dato Dr. Lai Fung Hwa's dynamic approach and Ms. Loh Sit Fong's expertise created an engaging and informative atmosphere right from the start. Their passion for the subject matter was evident, and it fueled our own enthusiasm to dive deeper into the world of trauma treatment.

After a satisfying lunch break, the workshop continued with an intriguing setup. We were divided into four groups and rotated through different rooms in APU's classrooms, each focusing on a distinct component of trauma. This allowed us to delve deeper into various aspects and gain a well-rounded understanding.

In the first room, led by the knowledgeable Ms. Silvia Bonadei, we explored coping mechanisms for dealing with intrusion. It was fascinating to learn about the nature of flashbacks and how they can manifest in our dreams. As a unique and interactive activity, we were given the opportunity to visually depict any recurring nightmares we've had and openly share our experiences. Recognizing the potentially triggering nature of this topic, the organizers thoughtfully emphasized that participants were free to step out and take a breather if needed.

Moving on to the next activity with the accomplished Ms. Loh Sit Fong, we delved into coping strategies for managing arousal. As clients recount their traumatic experiences, heightened arousal is a common response. Ms. Loh Sit Fong emphasized the significance of addressing this arousal before attempting to introduce additional coping skills. Breathing exercises and simple mindfulness activities were highlighted as effective tools during these crucial moments. To deepen our understanding, we actively engaged our five senses, gaining firsthand experience of the techniques that some clients find helpful while others may not. Having a diverse range of skills in our therapeutic toolbox empowers us as clinicians to better meet the unique needs of our clients.

Upon reflecting on this activity, I realized an important aspect that had slipped my attention. While I am knowledgeable about addressing clients who experience heightened arousal, I had overlooked those who may be dealing with a sense of under-arousal, which can also impede the progress of treatment. The activity focusing on reengaging clients with their senses served as a powerful reminder of the additional skills at my disposal. It shed light on the significance of helping clients find balance and regain a sense of connection with their surroundings. This valuable insight has broadened my perspective and reinforced the importance of considering the full spectrum of arousal levels when working with individuals who have experienced trauma. Moving forward, I will incorporate these techniques into my practice, ensuring a comprehensive approach that caters to the diverse needs of my clients.

 

To conclude the day's activities, we reconvened in the auditorium for a stimulating Q&A session, accompanied by a collective reflection on the invaluable insights we had gained throughout the workshop. It provided an opportunity for further clarification and integration of the knowledge and techniques we had explored.

 

Day 2 of the workshop commenced with a calming mindfulness practice guided by Jaff Chong, setting the tone for another day of enlightening activities. We seamlessly continued our exploration from the previous day, eagerly anticipating what lay ahead.

In the next room, we had the privilege of being led by the esteemed Dato Dr. Lai Fung Hwa, delving into the intricacies of coping with avoidance. The activity centered around Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a technique that fascinated me with its ability to help trauma clients connect fragmented memories using simple finger movements. It was truly remarkable. Of course, it was emphasized that caution and proper training are necessary when utilizing this approach. Nonetheless, it sparked a deep interest within me, igniting a desire to further my studies in this field.

Next, we joined Jaff Chong for the fourth activity, where we explored how to teach clients to cope with cognition. Jaff, known for his expertise in working with children and teenagers, approached this activity in a child-centered manner. It was a delightful experience, as we learned more engaging ways to introduce complex concepts to young minds. One memorable moment was when Jaff used a hamburger as a metaphor to explain the interconnection between cognition, behavior, and emotions. Experiencing all four intervention activities proved to be eye-opening and highly informative.

The grand finale of the workshop was led by the incredible duo, Ms. Silviana Bonadei and Mr. Jaff Chong, who brought their extensive experience of working with traumatized children to the forefront. Prior to entering the auditorium, we were asked to select two figurines from a separate room, setting the stage for what was to come. Silviana captivated us with the power of stories and narration, nearly bringing tears to our eyes as she shared a poignant tale of a teenage bird navigating trauma with the unwavering support of a patient and caring mother. It struck me deeply how storytelling can convey profound messages and approach difficult topics like trauma with a gentle touch. Jaff then prompted us to use the figurines to create a story within five minutes. It proved to be a challenge for me to detach my own experiences from the narrative, highlighting the effectiveness of these tools in facilitating client expression without direct confrontation.

After two eventful and enriching days, we indulged in a short tea break before embarking on our final Q&A sessions and sharing our reflections on the entire workshop. A brief certificate ceremony concluded the event, expressing gratitude to all those who had come together to make this trauma workshop a resounding success. Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed the two-day journey, and the wealth of knowledge I acquired has dispelled feelings of helplessness or fear when working with clients who have experienced trauma. I now have additional skills in my repertoire and feel hopeful about making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. Heartfelt thanks go to the trainers, committee members, and APU for transforming Silver Lining Psychology Specialist's workshop into a reality. Lastly, a warm thank you to all the participants who attended—may this experience bolster your confidence in your clinical work for years to come!