Reflective Practice as the Lifeline to Professional Growth and Preservation

Reflective Practice as the Lifeline to Professional Self Growth and Preservation

When working with children and families during some of their most vulnerable times that include trauma and loss, we are challenged to help in often complex ways that intersect with our own lives.  We can easily lose our way especially when our own experiences, possible trauma triggers, and family/attachment histories become activated.  Increasing reflective practice techniques such as self-monitoring questions, mindfulness strategies, and shared reflection opportunities serves as a lifeline to greater self-compassion and professional growth.  We then open the door to better understand and keep ourselves regulated in our work so that we can better understand and help children and families regulate.

Presenters:

Jenna Kelly, LCSW, I/ECMH-C, RYT-200, has extensive experience in working as a therapist, consultant, trainer and supervisor in children and family mental health services.  She is passionate about helping increase security and healing for children and families while also supporting the professionals who work with families through reflective practice.  She has a post-graduate certificate in Infant/Parent Mental Health.  She has consulted in multiple school and early childhood programs and helps lead a statewide school mental health consultation program called Caregiver Connections in IL.  She has presented at multiple state and national conferences on various mental health and trauma-related topics. She is also a yoga teacher and has a strong passion in using mindfulness and body work to help heal from trauma and stress. 

Jake Jacob, LCPC, I/ECMH-C, is an experienced therapist, consultant and trainer committed to improving the well-being of children and families utilizing trauma-informed and attachment based principles.  He has a psychotherapy practice in Columbia, Illinois and is an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant and Trainer throughout the state.  He also serves as Project Manager for a statewide home visiting program (IPPYC-HV) and helps support the reflective capacity and self-care practices of those working in this program.  He is credentialed in Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health in IL and is also certified in various trauma therapeutic modalities including Theraplay and EMDR.  He is passionate about utilizing mindfulness-based strategies and meditation in his work with others and in his personal life.