Course Overview

Children who have experienced sexual trauma do not need “fixing”, they need safe, attuned, and informed adults who understand how sexual trauma and exploitation in childhood shapes behaviour, learning, relationships, and emotional regulation.

This one-day workshop is designed for professionals working with children and young people who want to deepen their capacity to support sexually traumatised children effectively and compassionately.

Grounded in child-centric trauma-informed, attachment-based, and neurodevelopmental frameworks, this workshop explores the nuances of sexual trauma from a child’s perspective and how adults can become consistent sources of regulation, connection, and hope. Participants will examine how sexual trauma impacts the developing brain and nervous system, how it ‘shows up’ in clinical settings and classrooms, and why traditional behavioural approaches often fall short.

Through case examples, reflective exercises, and practical strategies, attendees will learn how to:

• Understand trauma-related behaviours as adaptive survival responses of children who have been sexually traumatized and/or exploited
• Build emotional and relational safety with children who struggle with trust
• Support regulation before expecting reasoning, compliance, or learning
• Respond to challenging behaviors with curiosity, empathy, and structure
• Maintain professional boundaries while offering authentic connection
• Sustain themselves as “safe adults” without compassion fatigue

This workshop emphasises practical application and self-reflection, inviting participants to consider not only what they do, but how they show up in moments of distress, dysregulation, and disconnection. By the end of the day, participants will leave with a clearer understanding of their role as a stabilising presence in a child’s life and concrete tools they can implement immediately in their work.