Trauma-Informed and Mentalizing Work in Social Pedagogical Practice

In this presentation, Janne Østergaard Hagelquist will explain how to work in a trauma-informed and mentalizing way (mentalization means focusing on mental states in oneself and in others, especially in connection with the explanation of behavior) with neglected and traumatized individuals. She will share concrete examples and case studies, while also providing tools for how social educators can meet traumatized individuals using a trauma-informed and mentalizing approach.

Janne will place particular focus on the STORM model, a trauma treatment model that social educators can apply in practice when working with children, adolescents, and adults. The model highlights the importance of having a clear framework when the environment is "stormy" around traumatized individuals.

It emphasizes Safety — including the critical importance of establishing security in everyday life, as well as the importance of creating trusting relationships for establishing a sense of safety.
It also highlights a Trauma-Informed Approach, which includes knowledge about trauma and its effects on the social educator themselves as well as on the individuals that social educators meet in their daily work. An understanding of trauma reactions can help professionals make sense of the behavior of traumatized individuals and meet them with helpful, trauma-informed interventions that promote safety, connection, and development.

In the focus on Obtaining Skills, special attention is given to recognizing the unique challenges each individual citizen faces, and how the social educator can actively support their development by building strengths and competencies tailored to their needs.

The model further emphasizes the importance of strengthening Resources and continuously using Mentalization in every encounter.