What We Do and the Science Behind It

Science and experience have taught us that human beings are wired for social connection. Highly stressful events can cause enduring physical harm to the brain, yet healing is possible through self-regulation and human connection.

We have identified and tested a series of evidence-informed practices over the last 12+ years that promote the reversal of deleterious brain changes following trauma, ensuring the best outcome for a child.

Rhythm-based exercises promote self-regulation
Trauma-informed and mindfulness-based caregiving works
Ongoing relationships boost resiliency in young adults

About Reach Within

Trauma can change a child’s brain.
High-impact, low-cost intervention can heal it.

HARM

Childhood trauma can cause structural and functional brain changes that affect a person’s present and future wellbeing. It can mean living in a state of fight, flight, or freeze. It also leads to chronic issues from disassociation to physical conditions including heart disease and autoimmune deficiency.

AND REPAIR

Reach Within has identified and tested a series of evidence-informed practices over the last 12+ years that promote the mitigation of damage in the brain caused by trauma. A trauma-free environment using rhythmicity, healthy attachment, and mindfulness ensures the best outcome for a child.

THE REACH WITHIN PRINCIPLES

The following simple principles are the foundation that guides our work. Brain cells, connections and functions can regenerate. Using the Reach Within interventions, lower brain centers can be remodeled allowing for internal calm and the opportunity for positive social interactions.

Rhythmicity

Rhythm based activities such as drumming, swimming, and running can help to re-pattern an overactive stress response system.

Mindfulness

Breathing exercises, yoga, and mindful meditation can help the body maintain homeostasis, or balance, in order to optimize overall functioning.

Healthy Attachment

Calm consistent caregiving using eye gazing and therapeutic play can induce emotional regulation and security that is long lasting.

Learn more about healing trauma with science:

Adversity in childhood is linked to mental and physical health throughout life (bmj.com)
Psychopathology in children exposed to trauma: detection and intervention needed to reduce downstream burden (bmj.com)
Supporting Brain Development in Traumatized Children and Youth (childwelfare.gov)
Understanding the Effects of Maltreatment on Brain Development (childwelfare.gov)
The Importance of a Trauma-Informed Child Welfare System
Children | Free Full-Text | Resilience in Children: Developmental Perspectives (mdpi.com)
Mindfulness Helps Adults Overcome Childhood Adversity | Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (unc.edu)
Mindfulness as a mediator and moderator in the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and depression | SpringerLink
Epigenetic impact of a 1-week intensive multimodal group program for adolescents with multiple adverse childhood experiences | Scientific Reports (nature.com)