Childhood trauma is the experience of abuse and neglect during crucial developmental life stages, leaving deep emotional wounds that can hinder healthy development. By acknowledging and addressing these scars, it is possible to reclaim strength, find joy, and build a brighter future.
Melissa Viviers
Melissa Viviers has devoted her academic and professional career to the study, understanding, treatment, and prevention of childhood trauma. As the founder of Trauma Insight Solutions, her vision is driven by the goal of eradicating childhood trauma. Melissa actively promotes this vision by facilitating healing for survivors, educating parents about identifying and addressing abusive parenting practices, and enlightening professionals about the profound impact of childhood trauma.
Trauma Insight Solutions offers a comprehensive range of services in the assessment, treatment, and prevention of childhood trauma. Services include: individual therapy for survivors, psycho-education therapy for parents in the family court or Oranga Tamariki systems, educational seminars for parents, and professional development opportunities for those working on the frontlines.
Thank you for empowering us with understanding the layers beyond face value.
- SEMINAR PARTICIPANT
Professional development for those working on the frontline
The professional development offerings by Trauma Insight Solutions are ideal for individuals working with children and/or young people. These tailored topics serve as transformational journeys, providing knowledge, understanding, and empowerment to participants.
Through the use of real-life stories, professionals are immersed in the profound and unsettling events of childhood trauma. This process illuminates the immense pain behind certain behaviours, enabling professionals to identify and comprehend the hidden wounds. Equipped with these insights, they become beacons of support, armed with the tools to assist in the healing process.
Professionals who engage in these professional development opportunities have the privilege of making a positive impact and fostering healing in the lives of those they serve.
Topics for professionals:
- Trauma informed practice for professionals working with children and/or teenagers
- Deliberately defiant, distressed, or mentally unwell
- Staff stress & how to manage it
- Anxiety
- Managing challenging teenage behaviour
- Mental health & its impact on parenting
- Teenage mental health
- Trauma, PTSD, & teenage behaviour
- Traumatic incidents, staff trauma, & managing wellbeing
- Employee mental health
Audiences:
- Youth services
- Alternative Education
- Teen Parent Units
- Early Childhood Education
- High School and support staff
- Medical professionals (GPs, RNs, therapists)
- New Zealand Police Association
- District Councils
- Family court professionals (lawyers, social workers, counsellors, therapists)
- Community organisations
- Anyone working with traumatised children and young people
Loved it, loved it, loved it!
- SEMINAR PARTICIPANT
Trauma Insight Solutions provides a comprehensive range of seminar topics specifically tailored for parents of children at every stage of development. These captivating and informative seminars are thoughtfully designed to address the unique needs of various age groups, including babies and toddlers, pre-teens, and teenagers.
Through these sessions, parents gain empowering knowledge about the science of brain development. They unlock the profound influence they have as parents, establishing a stable foundation for effective parenting.
By participating in these seminars, parents acquire practical strategies that can be easily implemented to support their child’s well-being throughout the crucial formative developmental years. With a focus on simplicity and effectiveness, Trauma Insight Solutions equips parents with the tools and understanding necessary to create a nurturing environment that fosters healthy development.
Topics for parents currently include:
- Baby brain development & pro-parenting tips
- Postnatal mental health
- Surviving the teenage years
- Abuse, neglect, & family harm
Audiences:
- Teen parents
- Parents of infants and toddlers
- Parents of teenagers
The most helpful thing I learnt was that everything we do matters and we set the foundation of their lives.
- SEMINAR PARTICIPANT
Conference Guest Speaker
Speaker on Trauma at Regional and National Conferences
As a dedicated expert in the field of trauma, I am honored to share my knowledge and insights with diverse audiences across New Zealand. Over the years, I have had the privilege of being a featured speaker at both regional and national conferences, addressing critical issues related to trauma and mental health.
Highlighted Speaking Engagements
- NZPS National Conference:
I am proud to have been a speaker at the prestigious New Zealand Psychological Society (NZPS) Annual National Conference. This platform allowed me to connect with professionals from various backgrounds and share my expertise on trauma, fostering meaningful conversations on the impact of trauma. - Teen Parent Unit National Conference:
Addressing the unique challenges faced by teen parents is crucial for creating supportive environments. At several Teen Parent Unit National Conferences, I had the opportunity to discuss trauma-related topics, offering valuable insights to enhance understanding and support for young parents. - Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Association:
Maternal mental health is a topic of paramount importance. As a speaker at the Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Association, I contributed to discussions surrounding perinatal mental health, offering practical strategies and fostering awareness on trauma’s impact during this critical period. - Hawkes Bay Primary and Secondary Schools Regional Conference:
Engaging with educators and professionals in the field of primary and secondary education is vital for creating trauma-informed environments. My participation in the Hawkes Bay Regional Conference allowed me to address trauma-related issues in schools, sharing effective approaches to support students and create resilient communities.
Join the Conversation
I am passionate about creating spaces for open dialogue and learning. If you’re interested in having me speak at your event or would like to collaborate on trauma-related initiatives, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can contribute to building more informed and compassionate communities.
Amazing presentation. You are inspirational.
- SEMINAR PARTICIPANT