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Demystifying the complex world of childhood trauma behaviors demands more than clinical knowledge—it requires a profound shift in how we view challenging behaviors altogether. Robin, a seasoned former therapist who specialized in supporting families of children with trauma histories, joins us to transform how we interpret behavior that seems baffling, dangerous, or personally directed.
At the heart of this conversation lies a powerful truth: all behavior is communication. Robin shares how this simple-yet-revolutionary perspective changed not just her clinical effectiveness but her entire job satisfaction. For therapists overwhelmed by children's difficult behaviors and the parents desperately seeking help, this framework offers immediate relief and a sustainable path forward.
Through accessible animal metaphors—the owl, watchdog, and possum—Robin translates complex neuroscience into language that resonates with both children and caregivers. These brain states, representing different nervous system responses, help decode why children behave as they do and what they're truly communicating beneath the surface. Rather than focusing solely on modifying behavior, Robin guides us toward understanding its protective purpose.
The conversation moves beyond traditional attachment theory, challenging the rigid categorization that has turned attachment into something to "achieve" rather than understand. Robin advocates for a more nuanced approach that recognizes even insecure attachments as brilliant adaptations to difficult circumstances—not failures to correct through shame or control.
For professionals feeling inadequate when faced with complex trauma behaviors, and for parents tired of being discharged by therapists who don't know how to help, this episode offers hope. Discover how curiosity can replace control, how understanding can replace judgment, and how small changes—just 1% different responses—can transform your relationship with the children who need you most.

A Hero's Welcome Podcast © Maria Laquerre-Diego & Liliana Baylon