Overview:  The Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM) provides a biologically-based set of skills designed for use with peer-to-peer community-based approaches for Veterans, Warriors and their loved ones.  Returning troops can experience a powerful cascade of reactions – cognitive, physiological, behavioral, spiritual and psychological – carrying the potential for post-traumatic stress AND growth for individuals, families and communities.

The impact of combat trauma may be distinguished from most civilian trauma due to the complex and varying roles which troops must often simultaneously assume as they seek to adapt, improvise and overcome a plethora of ordeals, whether at home or deployed . . . In short, combat-related post-traumatic stress poses a public health challenge of enormous proportions.  Meeting this challenge is our national duty. 

Advances in neuroscience, particularly with the benefit of functional brain imaging, have demonstrated how the mind-body system reactions in situations involving threat and fear . . . and how to restore balance and build resilience.  TRM skills stabilize the human nervous system, reducing and/or preventing the symptoms of traumatic stress.  TRM is also useful as a “self-care” wellness practice for clinicians and other individuals who work with complex war trauma and are at risk for secondary traumatization. 

An integrative mind and body approach, TRM was cited as a “promising practice” by the Department of Defense in March 2011.  Ongoing research studies are currently in progress to better understand TRM and to grow the evidence base for establishing its safe and efficacious use for those affected by trauma, whether combat-related or civilian.

Learn more about The Trauma Resource  Institute (TRI)

·         Co-founded by Laurie Leitch, PhD and Elaine Miller-Karas, LISW, TRI is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (est. January 2006)

·          TRI is a Homeward Bound USA partner, dedicated to bringing Veterans, Warriors and their loved ones ALL the way home

·         Our founding pledge is to share “Compassion Without Borders” . . . Check us out @ www.traumaresourceinstitute.com