034: Expanding our Understanding of Stress, Trauma and Safety with Katie Kurtz

Evolve: A New Era of Leadership

In this episode, Katie Kurtz and I embark on a profound exploration of trauma as we navigate its intricacies. We begin by defining trauma and examining its impact on our lives. Discover how to recognize your unique relationship with trauma and the physical responses it triggers.

Dive into the world of trauma distinctions, from Big T to Little T traumas, and understand the diversity of traumatic experiences. Explore the pivotal role our nervous system plays in interpreting and coping with trauma. Learn why it's essential to stay within the "window of tolerance" and the consequences of straying outside it. Explore the four competencies employed by our special guest, Katie, in her transformative work.

Challenge common misconceptions surrounding trauma-informed care and gain insight into Katie's trauma-informed checklist. Hear real-life examples of unintentional harm and its lasting effects. Katie shares a profound personal experience that heightened her self-awareness, and discovers her rituals and practices for finding calm amidst life's challenges. Finally, explore the music that brings Katie a sense of connection to something greater than herself.

Katie Kurtz, MSW LISW-S (she/her), is a renowned expert and trainer in integrative and inclusive trauma-informed care. With 15 years of experience as a licensed social worker and certified coach, she has honed her expertise across various disciplines and industries. Over the last seven years, Katie has redefined trauma-informed care to make it more accessible and inclusive, developing innovative frameworks and methodologies. Her integrative approach has trained thousands of professionals worldwide on six continents, fostering a future where trauma-informed care is accessible and practical for all.

Katie is not only an author, known for creating the Contain Card Deck©, but also the host of the enlightening A Trauma-Informed Future Podcast. She actively contributes as a regional co-chair in Ohio's Trauma-Informed Care Collaborative and serves as a Subject Matter Expert with the Integrate Network. Recognized nationally and internationally, her leadership and contributions have left a significant mark in both the social work and coaching fields. With a diverse educational background and certifications, including a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Gender Studies and a Master of Social Work, she stands as a licensed independent social worker with supervision designation (LISW-S) in Ohio, an Internationally Certified Coach with BYCA, and a trauma-informed 200hr registered yoga teacher.

Join us on this illuminating journey through trauma's complexities, where understanding, healing, and resilience await. We talk about:

• [3:00] Defining trauma

• [5:50] Identifying our own relationship and physical response to trauma

• [7:15] Big T and Little T trauma

• [10:20] Our nervous system’s role in how we interpret trauma

• [14:55] Why it’s unhealthy to stay outside of the window of tolerance

• [22:40] The 4 competencies that Katie uses in her work

• [35:15] Misconception of trauma-informed care

• [38:50] Katie's trauma informed checklist

• [41:55] Examples of unintentional harm

• [50:30] An experience she had that gave her heightened awareness about herself

• [52:50] A ritual or practice she relies on to help her return to a state of calm

• [54:50] A song or genre of music that makes her feel connected to something bigger than herself

Connect with Katie

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_katiekurtz/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-kurtz

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekatiekurtz

• https://katie-kurtz.com/

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynswora/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/

• Twitter: ​​https://twitter.com/CarolynSwora

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynsworkplaceculture/

• Website: https://www.carolynswora.com/

• Contact: [e-mail]