Early Childhood Abuse and the Developing Person: Making Connections
Amy Joy, BSW, MPA | September 22 | 3:15-4:15 pm
Topic: Experience | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
This presentation begins with the story of Amy Joy’s early childhood sexual abuse, the vulnerability it created, and the associated diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder. The initial events are those pertaining to her experience with a pedophile as a father, her experience in foster care, and the vulnerability it created to further victimization. The important incidents that occurred next are the realization that she had buried her memories in a way that created separate parts within. The impact of trauma on the developing person resulted in extreme survival responses. Amy has dedicated her life to helping others like her, developing programs that incorporate expressive therapies, and educating professionals on how to identify and respond to suspected cases of child abuse or trafficking. Amy will present practical ways to incorporate creative expression and language as a form of healing. Attendees will walk away with a clear vision of how childhood experiences can lead to extreme vulnerabilities throughout a lifetime, the impact of trauma on the developing person, and what therapeutic techniques have been proven helpful for those experiencing the aftermath of abuse and trafficking.
Presentation Objectives:
· Explain the process of trauma response and how it can lead to severe dissociative disorders
· Provide hope for those who have been diagnosed with a trauma-related disorder
· Present examples of therapeutic expression