Paddy McNally is a consultant clinical psychologist who has spent most of his career focusing on applying trauma-informed care principles to those supporting people with learning disabilities. He has published "A Framework for the Implementation of trauma-informed care in Residential and Supported Living Services for Adults with a Learning Disability", which is freely available online.

In today's conversation, we talk specifically about the moments of 'stuck-ness' - when the relationships between a person and the team serving them appear to be stuck in circular interactions. This can feel very frustrating to everyone, and lead to feelings of hopeless.

Paddy explains how we can understand these moments as being enactments of past trauma being played out unconsciously in the relationships and interactions - or even the organisation or system - around a person. However, once noticed, even a small change in the interaction can bring some relief to everyone.

The conversation emphasizes the need for organizational support and reflective practices to create a safe and effective care environment. Ultimately, the significance of human connection in the healing process is paramount.

Chapters

00:00Introductions

02:24Understanding Trauma-Informed Care Principles

05:21The Impact of Trauma on Care Relationships

08:11Enactments in Care Teams

10:58Breaking the Cycle of Trauma in Care

13:34The Role of Staff Reflection and Support

16:18Creating Safe Spaces for Staff

19:03The Importance of Organizational Support

21:43Navigating Crisis in Care Settings

24:24The Path to Recovery for Care Teams

27:03Conclusion: The Human Experience in Care

In the final episode in this series, Bev and Jen discuss the complexities of implementing trauma-informed practices in settings supporting people with severe learning disabilities.

They draw on their own experiences to break down the challenges, and why 'off-the-peg' trauma-informed models can fall short when it comes to non-speaking individuals. They go on to discuss what sorts of engagements and tools they utilise to build spaces that help those with little or no spoken communication feel seen, heard and safe-enough to begin to process their experiences and overwhelming emotions.

This final conversation draws to a close this series focused on the challenges and possibilities for creating spaces that allow those with severe learning disabilities to heal from traumatic experiences.

In this conversation, Bev and Jen explore the emotional and psychological costs associated with care work, particularly in direct care settings. They discuss the challenges of managing vicarious trauma, the importance of support systems, and the need for self-care among care workers. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of creating a supportive environment that acknowledges the emotional toll of the work and promotes recovery and regulation for both staff and those they care for.