Understanding Trauma Responses in System-Involved Youth that May Look Like Defiance

Brooke Hailey, PhD, LMFT

Training Description

This training examines how trauma responses in system-involved youth are frequently misinterpreted as defiance or noncompliance. Participants will review core principles of trauma neurobiology and behavioral adaptation, including fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses. Through structured case analysis and applied exercises, participants will develop skills to accurately assess behavior and implement trauma-informed strategies. The training is designed to improve participant competency in reducing escalation, increasing engagement, and supporting emotional regulation in system-involved youth.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Identify and differentiate at least four common trauma responses (e.g., fight, flight, freeze, fawn) and recognize how they may show up in system-involved youth behavior.