The last two decades of neuroscientific research have led to new understandings of how the brain and body are affected by crises. In response to this new research, I propose an alternative approach to crisis intervention in schools. The approach engages the oldest, wisest part of our brain, the brain stem, through the language of sensations for two reasons: first, because the core of the crisis experience is processed by the brain stem, and second, because the language of this more primitive brain is sensations.
continue reading First Do No Harm – A Proposal For Crisis Intervention in Schools

Today is the 10th anniversary of Columbine: April 20, 2009. I hope we will remember Littleton, Colorado and that tragic day in 1999, the 15 lives taken so violently, and the dozens of others who survived but were changed forever by the experience. Since then we have learned a great deal more about what can lead to such disturbing acts of terror. We have learned, for example, that 75% of all school shooters had been the victims of bullying. We were finally forced to take the traumatic effects of bullying and other peer abuse seriously. What I fear hasn’t been taken seriously enough, however, is the critical nature of intervening as EARLY as possible with all forms of violence that undermine our children’s safety. There are very specific ways to intervene effectively with our children at home, as parents, and with students in schools, as educators, to promote the peace and well-being needed for ultimate achievement and success. Please read You Can Heal Your Child and Why Students Underachieve (available at amazon.com) to learn more.

The co-founders of ResponsibleTeachers.com interviewed me last month for a podcast and here is what they had to say: “Dr. Melrose is an amazing resource for anyone who works with children. Her knowledge on stress and trauma and how it affects the brain in children is limitless. She takes very complex issues that are valuable in everyday experiences for parents, educators and children and she boils them down to very understandable terms. We highly recommend her books and her lectures for parents and teachers.” (Britt Michaelian, M.A. and Cheryl Daniels). Please listen to our conversation by clicking on my “Media” page at www.DrMelrose.com.

Stay tuned for the launching of my new book, You Can Heal Your Child: A Guide for Parents of Misdiagnosed, Stressed, Traumatized, and Otherwise Misunderstood Children. View the cover and pre-order at amazon.com.