Carolyn Burns, LCSW from the School of Social Work OU Online Campus discusses trauma and its effects on the brain

Mental Health Download: Exploring Mental Illness, Suicide, Homelessness and Incarceration

We spoke with Carolyn Burns, an instructor and field faculty liaison for the School of Social Work at the University of Oklahoma Online Campus. Carolyn is licensed clinical social worker who has practiced therapy for more than eighteen years. Additionally, with more than twenty-three years of social work experience, her career has spanned from public housing to owning a private practice. She has a passion for working with the lower income, marginalized population – particularly adolescents, as well as working with people who have experienced extreme trauma.

Carolyn was a presenter at the 2023 Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: New Horizons in Brain Science, where she delivered a fascinating presentation called This is Your Brain On Trauma.

You can hear a little bit about that talk here. A quick, but important warning: This episode talks about physical and sexual abuse. While it’s important dialogue to have, we understand that it could be difficult for some listeners.

We hope you enjoy this conversation with Carolyn Burns and find it as valuable as we did. If you or someone you love is struggling with your mental health, please call one of our free mental health assistance center lines at 405.943.3700 or 918.585.1213, or contact us via www.mhaok.org. If you are in an immediate mental health crisis, please call or text 988. It is available to anyone 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Additionally, Oklahoma’s Victim Services 24-hour Safeline is available to anyone enduring abuse by calling 1.800.522.SAFE or 1.800.522.7233.