Nov 26, 2025
“Sometimes children have to disconnect from their hearts just to survive.” - Kelly Cook
On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes school social worker Kelly Cook for an open-hearted exploration of healing and connection with children, teens, and families facing adversity. Kelly shares how her lifelong sensitivity to those on the margins, shaped by early experiences of compassion and agency in her own childhood, led her into the field of social work and ultimately to trauma-informed practice within schools.
Kelly reflects on the profound vulnerability of young people, describing their need for supportive adults who honor their experiences and individuality. She delves into the challenges and hopes of working with children and adolescents navigating adverse childhood experiences, and highlights the critical role school-based interventions play. The conversation centers on the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®), with Kelly offering examples of how even a single, agency-focused inquiry—such as “What is it you most want for yourself?”—can spark transformation for students who rarely have that invitation.
Emily Ruth and Kelly discuss the necessity of collaborative care with families, the importance of honoring parents’ struggles and needs, and the healing that emerges when communities move toward shared growth. Kelly speaks candidly about advocating for resources, building a social work team from the ground up, and the privilege of being welcomed into students' lives as they rediscover connection to themselves. Through personal stories and reflections, this episode illustrates the transformative power of seeing, hearing, and honoring each member of a community on the path to healing.
We invite you to listen to the full episode and follow Transforming Trauma on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.
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**SPACE:**
SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join.
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**The Complex Trauma Training Center:**
https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com
**View upcoming trainings:**
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The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care.
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