“The use of genuine life stories is inspiring and helpful to apply theory to practice.” Trauma and Change, June 2025

Greetings one and all,

I’m back!  I have had the busiest June on record, and I’ve got a day to ‘gather my thoughts’ so I thought I’d share some of the lovely feedback comments that I’ve received over the past month. 

First, I was supporting the legends over at the Expert Citizens Insight Academy with my always super popular, ‘Trauma and Change’ course.  As with all my training courses, this learning and development day is a co-creation between myself and an array of people from across North Staffordshire, Stoke on Trent, Cheshire and Salford.  Lived Experience is a term often banded around, well, the Insight Academy have embedded that approach from the beginning, which is why we make such a good fit.

“I think Steve’s approach to training is perfect. He uses research alongside real life experiences to bring the training to life.”

Learners are engaged throughout the hands on and very practical course.  They watch the interviews that I conducted with both Ryan and Charlotte (always the crème de le creme). Everyone works through the case studies of people who are embracing post traumatic growth.  We also explore those who have lapsed or in some cases relapsed and are continuing to require support from professionals.  Sometimes people are surprised that they leave the training feeling elated and happy!  Well, yes, just because you are on a trauma course doesn’t mean you need to be traumatised.  😊

Now the question is, what did the learners get out of it and what did they think of the training:

“I have learnt how to discuss trauma and change with the residents I support.”

“Discussing symptom substitution with residents. The 90 second pause will be good for residents. Looking at psychological models.”

“The training was absolutely brilliant. I work with lot of young people who have experienced trauma and I will be applying a lot of the training in my every day work to get better outcomes for our service users.”

“To better understand the people I support.”

“Steven is the most engaging thoughtful and inspirational trainer I have ever had the pleasure of  receiving training from. Here's to many more training sessions.”

"It’s has reminded me to be mindful of trauma that people may have faced and take the time to listen to them. This was highlighted in the clip with Ryan when he was asked by couple in London if he was ok and he wasn’t."

“I intend to apply this learning when working professionally with families and personally with family and friends.”

“More informed for supporting the women.”

“As working with mental health customers, understanding and being empathy. Listening to Ryan’s and Charlottes story, has given a different perspective and I will use it to help others that I am supporting.”

“I think I have a much better understanding of trauma and how to respond. It was great to hear some real-life experiences and have the chance to discuss these with others in the room.”

"Brilliant to listen to a trainer who has practice experience, really brings to life the situations in which these skills can be used. I'll take this back to share with the team.”

“The videos from Ryan and Charlotte were incredible, they spoke with such honesty and authenticity... So articulate. I know ‘inspirational’ can be overused but in this instance it is absolutely the right thing to say about them both. If ever we needed hope in challenging times, then these two bring that hope to us as professionals. It's a heartfelt reminder that we are working with hearts - sometimes broken ones, and we should never forget our role in helping to be a part of positive change. Thank you both, I genuinely wish them all of the very best.”

“Steven as always bought humour, engagement, humility and humanity to this training. You're the best! "

“It was very interesting to understand some of the areas that affect me.”

“The course was amazing and has supported and increased my knowledge in this area and given me food for thought... It will definitely help in day-to-day work with children. It was amazing to see the videos about Ryan and how his life is now. What a remarkable person he is...”

“The use of genuine life stories is inspiring and helpful to apply theory to practice.”