Dorji Choden
For the first time in Bhutan, Chithuen Phendey Association (CPA) in collaboration with East Tennessee State University, USA conducted training for four days on Trauma-Informed Care and Adverse Childhood Experience (ACEs) bringing together 30 participants from schools, healthcare, Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), community organisations, and rehabilitation centers.
This four-day training programme is aimed at equipping participants with knowledge and skills necessary to effectively support individuals affected by trauma.
The programme focuses on empowering participants to identify and respond to trauma in children and adults, fostering the creation of supportive and healing environments within their communities.
By addressing ACEs early on, the programme aims to build a strong foundation for preventing long-term negative consequences associated with trauma.
Dawa Penjor, programme officer from CPA, said that they have always worked to address these issues. “Previously our efforts primarily focused on addressing the symptoms of trauma rather than its underlying causes. This realization prompted us to explore evidence-based approaches such as trauma-informed care and ACEs prevention.”
Trauma-informed care and addressing ACEs are not just ideas; they are proven, effective approaches used around the world to tackle the root causes of physical, mental, and social challenges.
Research shows that childhood trauma and adverse experiences can have lifelong impacts, including chronic diseases, addiction, mental health challenges, and even early death.
“With prevention and early intervention, we can break this cycle. Our vision is to build a society that not only heals trauma but also fosters resilience, safety, and well-being. That is the vision we are working toward, and this training is a big step in that direction,” said Dawa Penjor.
The training highlighted the importance of understanding ACE and their impact on adult health and well-being.
ACEs, such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, can have significant long-term consequences, including increased risk of substance abuse, mental health issues, and chronic diseases.
Megan Quinn, Professor at East Tennessee State University, said that the goal of this training was to help understand more adverse childhood experiences in Bhutan and how prevalent they are.
“These bad experiences in childhood can increase your risk for negative adult health outcomes. If we kind of assume that most people have had some traumatic experience, we treat everyone with a lens called a trauma-informed lens,” said Professor Quinn.
This approach involves creating safe and supportive environments, building trust, and treating individuals with dignity and respect.
Rinchen Yangzom, proprietor of Blossom ECCD in Wangdue Phodrang, said that her plans are to implement the learnings in her childcare centre. “I plan to prioritise individual child needs, incorporate mindfulness practices, and utilise play and art therapy to create a trauma-informed environment that fosters the healthy development of children in my care.”
Ugyen Kelzang, a participant, said: “It helped me understand how adverse childhood experiences have long-lasting impacts on individuals, influencing their health, relationships, and overall well-being. This understanding deepened my empathy and reinforced the importance of creating safe and supportive environments within our community.”
The training also discussed the importance of recognizing the signs of trauma in individuals.
This training is part of CPA’s ongoing efforts to address the growing challenges of drug use, mental health issues, suicides, and non-communicable diseases in our country.