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MIND MATTERS IS NOT PSYCHOTHERAPY.
This program is designed for facilitation by paraprofessionals. It is not designed as group therapy or to
replace psychotherapy. In this curriculum, we do not cover the narration of traumatic memory, nor extensive
cognitive restructuring. These processes are best approached in a clinical setting.
Through this program, people sometimes discover that they need more assistance to deal with their trauma
than a 12-hour course can provide. When you lead this class, it is important that you have a list of
referral resources available for your participants.
SAFETY IS IMPORTANT IN MIND MATTERS.
Research indicates that talking about traumatic incidents is likely to retraumatize. We recommend that there
be no discussion of specific personal traumatic events. This curriculum delays discussion of trauma itself until
participants develop the necessary skills to reduce the impact of these discussions. We introduce trauma and
ACEs in Lesson 6 after participants learn self-soothing methods, develop an observing self, and establish a
relationship with the instructor.
The skills to reduce nervous system reactivity require time and personal practice to be effective, especially for
people with a long-term history of abuse or neglect. Follow-up care will be an important ingredient for some
participants. Please review the Online Materials on Follow-Up Care for more information.
TRAUMA INFORMED CARE AND MIND MATTERS.
Mind Matters curriculum can play an essential and continuous role in a trauma informed organization.
Trauma-informed systems increase resilience and build hope by changing the culture of organizations to
reduce the impact of trauma for staff and the people they serve. Considering the pervasiveness of trauma
and its far-reaching consequences, Mind Matters can fill a vital role in organizations seeking to become
trauma-informed. This curriculum becomes an easy-to-use tool for organizational staff. Mind Matters
trains staff in the prevalence of trauma, the effects of primary and secondary trauma, and the methods of
healing self and others. Online Materials contain information for introducing Mind Matters to staff and other
members of the organization.
ENRICHING OTHER PROGRAMS WITH MIND MATTERS.
Mind Matters can be used to enrich other programs. Lessons and sections may be folded into other curricula to
reduce reactivity and enhance learning. Using lessons and sections from this curriculum can augment classes
on parenting, relationships, fatherhood, pregnancy prevention, anger management, and more.
MIND MATTERS’ FUTURE
The Mind Matters program continues to evolve. Materials, teaching strategies, implementation ideas, and
applications continue to change with input from class leaders like you. You are the future of Mind Matters. We
welcome your suggestions and feedback. We wish you great success. Please contact us at RelationshipSkills@
DibbleInstitute.org with questions, ideas, and requests for trainings.
To your great success,
Carolyn Curtis and Charles Stolzenbach
MIND MATTERS IS NOT PSYCHOTHERAPY.
This program is designed for facilitation by paraprofessionals. It is not designed as group therapy or to
replace psychotherapy. In this curriculum, we do not cover the narration of traumatic memory, nor extensive
cognitive restructuring. These processes are best approached in a clinical setting.
Through this program, people sometimes discover that they need more assistance to deal with their trauma
than a 12-hour course can provide. When you lead this class, it is important that you have a list of
referral resources available for your participants.
SAFETY IS IMPORTANT IN MIND MATTERS.
Research indicates that talking about traumatic incidents is likely to retraumatize. We recommend that there
be no discussion of specific personal traumatic events. This curriculum delays discussion of trauma itself until
participants develop the necessary skills to reduce the impact of these discussions. We introduce trauma and
ACEs in Lesson 6 after participants learn self-soothing methods, develop an observing self, and establish a
relationship with the instructor.
The skills to reduce nervous system reactivity require time and personal practice to be effective, especially for
people with a long-term history of abuse or neglect. Follow-up care will be an important ingredient for some
participants. Please review the Online Materials on Follow-Up Care for more information.
TRAUMA INFORMED CARE AND MIND MATTERS.
Mind Matters curriculum can play an essential and continuous role in a trauma informed organization.
Trauma-informed systems increase resilience and build hope by changing the culture of organizations to
reduce the impact of trauma for staff and the people they serve. Considering the pervasiveness of trauma
and its far-reaching consequences, Mind Matters can fill a vital role in organizations seeking to become
trauma-informed. This curriculum becomes an easy-to-use tool for organizational staff. Mind Matters
trains staff in the prevalence of trauma, the effects of primary and secondary trauma, and the methods of
healing self and others. Online Materials contain information for introducing Mind Matters to staff and other
members of the organization.
ENRICHING OTHER PROGRAMS WITH MIND MATTERS.
Mind Matters can be used to enrich other programs. Lessons and sections may be folded into other curricula to
reduce reactivity and enhance learning. Using lessons and sections from this curriculum can augment classes
on parenting, relationships, fatherhood, pregnancy prevention, anger management, and more.
MIND MATTERS’ FUTURE
The Mind Matters program continues to evolve. Materials, teaching strategies, implementation ideas, and
applications continue to change with input from class leaders like you. You are the future of Mind Matters. We
welcome your suggestions and feedback. We wish you great success. Please contact us at RelationshipSkills@
DibbleInstitute.org with questions, ideas, and requests for trainings.
To your great success,
Carolyn Curtis and Charles Stolzenbach