The Way Through: Trauma Responsive Care for Intellectual and Developmental Disability Professions

by Lara Palay, LISW-S

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The forward to The Way Through

by Karyn Harvey, Ph.D.

"The first time I saw Lara Palay, she was presenting at a conference for the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed in Charlotte, N.C. I was struck with the clarity and force she had when presenting. And her topic was riveting: trauma and its effect on mental health. I made sure I got to know her! Now she has written a book with the same clarity and force. It is an important read.

Not only does The Way Through clarify many of the complex mechanisms of trauma in simple easily understood terms, it also provides useful tools. Lara's explanation of Trauma Responsive Care is an excellent guideline for working with people with intellectual disabilities who have experienced trauma. She also provides a framework for those working directly with people with intellectual disabilities through her CALMER approach. Her understanding that we, ourselves, are the most crucial tool we have when working with people with intellectual disabilities and mental health challenges goes a long way. Her approach is not only theoretical, she gives us the concrete tools for ongoing application as well.

It is past time that we who are providing supports for people with intellectual disabilities and mental health challenges learn about trauma and the critical components of healing. Lara's book is an excellent assist in this endeavor. Her stories, insights, and tools illuminate the way forward for those of us working in this field."