Trauma-responsive SEL is an approach to fostering social-emotional development that seeks to create a safe and reliable environment where individuals who have experienced adversities and trauma feel supported, are welcome to explore their strengths and identities, exercise their agency, can develop meaningful, positive relationships with others in their community, and have access to the mental health supports they need.

People with strong social-emotional skills are better able to cope with everyday challenges and benefit academically, professionally, and socially. From effective problem-solving to self-discipline, from impulse control to emotion management and more, SEL provides a foundation for positive, long-term effects on kids, adults, and communities.

Education in emotions reduces stigma and eases the fears most people have about engaging in their emotions.

We teach the science and practice of evidence-based mind-body techniques for self-care.

RFR’s trauma-informed methodology and training model teaches us simple ways to regain regulation during times of stress and assist others in doing the same. Our trauma responsive mind body wellness and SEL programs build upon an evidence-informed neurosomatic model, adapted from the clinical and neuro-scientific research of Dr. Bruce Perry, Daniel Siegal, Dr. Richard Schwarz, Dr. Peter Levine, Diana Fosha and Catherine Cook-Cottone to empower individuals with the tools and practice for embodied self-regulation. 

Supporting SEL Is a Trauma-Sensitive Practice

Our Trauma Responsive SEL Framework

Focus Area:  (SEL) Social Emotional Learning and Wellbing for Everyone

Becoming a trauma responsive community 

Continuum of Change

Integrating TR-SEL and Mind-Body Regulation Instructional Practices.

Building Capacity - Mind-Body Wellness & SEL for All.

Management of Post & Secondary Traumatic Stress

Multi-Tiered Safety & Response to Intervention

Systemic and continuous improvement practiced across all levels of the community.

Our framework is built upon a profound paradigm shift in knowledge, perspective, attitudes, and skills that continues to deepen and unfold over time.