The Trauma Epidemic and How to Protect Yourself from Secondary Trauma

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Episode Summary

Hosts Kevin Beasley and “Buckshot” Buckley sit down with Thomas Hunter Mitchell, Director of CAC Hope House, to explore the devastating reality of childhood trauma and the innovative therapies helping kids reclaim their lives. What starts as a conversation about a unique case involving a therapy dog named Pacey becomes a raw examination of how trauma affects everyone involved—including the helpers.

Key Guest

Thomas Hunter Mitchell - Director of CAC Hope House (North Shore, New Orleans)

• Former trauma therapist at Carl Perkins Center

• Serves 350+ child abuse victims annually (ages 2-17)

• Expert in pediatric PTSD and evidence-based trauma treatments

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The Pacey Story: When Masks Became Nightmares

The episode's centerpiece is the remarkable case of "Ashley," a 6-year-old sexual assault victim who developed a severe phobia of masks after her perpetrator wore one during the abuse. Her symptoms were devastating:

• Panic attacks at school and stores during Halloween

• Incontinence and inability to accept physical affection

• Nightmares and fear of everyday situations

• Even associated April Fool's Day with masks

The breakthrough: Using Pacey, a gentle golden lab therapy dog, Thomas helped Ashley create new, positive associations with masks. By putting colorful paper plate masks on the dog during therapy sessions, they gradually retrained her brain to associate masks with safety rather than danger.

The result: Ashley is now thriving, demonstrating the power of innovative, individualized trauma therapy.

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Trauma by the Numbers

• 350 children served annually at Hope House alone

• 45 child trafficking victims in 2024 (3x increase from 2020)

• 160,000 US children lost parents to COVID-19

• 750+ Child Advocacy Centers operate nationwide

What is Trauma?

Thomas defines trauma simply: "Any experience that can result in emotional, physical, or life-threatening injury." It's not just major events—most humans over age 7-8 have experienced some form of trauma.

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The Hidden Cost: Vicarious Trauma

Perhaps the episode's most sobering revelation is how helping trauma victims traumatizes the helpers. Thomas and Buckley share raw stories of:

• Middle-of-the-night phone calls between colleagues

• Physical stress responses (white knuckles while driving)

• Relationship damage and isolation

• Substance abuse as coping mechanisms

Warning signs include:

• Hypervigilance and sleeplessness

• Becoming reclusive at home

• Physical tension and stress responses

• Difficulty "turning off" after work

Protecting the Protectors

Hope House has implemented innovative support systems:

• Free therapy for all staff (fully reimbursed)

• Monthly vicarious trauma yoga sessions

• Flexible scheduling to prevent burnout

• Transition rituals (like physically brushing feet on doormat before leaving work)

• 30-minute decompression rule before engaging with family

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The COVID Factor

The pandemic has created additional trauma for children through:

• Loss of routine and predictability

• Masked interactions reducing emotional connection

• Secondary trauma from stressed parents

• Isolation and uncertainty

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Signs of Childhood Trauma

For parents, teachers, and caregivers to watch for:

• Heightened anxiety and hypervigilance

• Sleep disturbances and nightmares

• Regression in behaviors

• Difficulty with physical affection

• Fear responses to specific triggers

• Academic or social difficulties

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The Cliff Analogy

Thomas uses a powerful metaphor: imagine trauma like a cliff overlooking the Grand Canyon. Some people start life far from the edge—it takes multiple traumas to push them toward PTSD. Others, due to genetics, environment, or early experiences, start right at the cliff's edge where just one trauma can send them falling.

This explains why trauma affects people so differently—it's not about weakness, but about where someone starts their journey.

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Hope and Healing

The episode ends on a note of hope with Thomas describing the "graduation wall" at Hope House, where children place their handprints after completing therapy and overcoming their trauma diagnosis.

The goal: Moving kids from worrying about life-or-death situations to age-appropriate concerns like school dances and friendships.

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How to Help

Find your local Child Advocacy Center:

• Visit NationalChildrensAlliance.org

• Volunteer opportunities available

• Simple donations like teddy bears make a difference

• Take "Stewards of Children" training (free prevention program)

For Hope House specifically: CACHopeHouse.org

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Takeaways for Everyone

1. Trauma is universal - most people have experienced it in some form

2. Helpers need help too - vicarious trauma is real and requires attention

3. Innovation saves lives - sometimes a therapy dog in a paper mask is exactly what's needed

4. Community support matters - CACs rely on donations and volunteers

5. Recovery is possible - with proper support, children can heal and thrive

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This episode serves as both an education in childhood trauma and a call to action for communities to support the organizations and individuals working to heal our most vulnerable citizens.