Trauma-Informed Isn’t Enough: Time to Get Real About Resilience in Schools
By: Kera Sanchez, Get Griefy Editor-in-Chief and Trauma-Informed Secondary Dean of Students
As a Dean of Student Attendance, I see it all—the students carrying grief, trauma, and chaos from home. We know how to be trauma-informed: we provide support, second chances, resources. But let’s be honest—sometimes it’s just not enough. Some kids keep making choices that tank their futures, even when we’re bending over backward to help.
So, when does “support” cross over into enabling? And more importantly, how do we get students off the hamster wheel of self-destruction and teach them to actually thrive—not just survive?
Being resilience-informed isn’t just about care—it’s about giving students the tools, opportunities, and strategies to navigate life, take ownership, and make better choices. Blair Kaplan Venables, grief and resilience coach, founder of The Global Resilience Project, and co-host of the Resilient AF podcast, breaks it down in her Navigating Grief Framework:
Grounding in the Present – Mindfulness and routines to restore stability.
Resilience Muscle Rituals & Routines – Daily practices that integrate emotional awareness, movement, and creativity.
Introspection and Engagement – Reflecting on loss and reconnecting with personal values.
Forward Movement – Setting realistic, compassionate goals to move ahead.
Integration & Application – Bringing these principles into real life and supporting others.
How Can We Use This in Schools?
Trauma-informed practices are a must—but let’s go further. We need to equip students with the skills to navigate life productively, even with emotional baggage in tow. Here’s how:
Set High, Achievable Expectations – Believe in their potential and hold them accountable.
Teach Practical Coping Skills – Journaling, mindfulness, and other safe outlets for emotions.
Create Mentorship Opportunities – Connect students with older peers, community leaders, or professionals who model resilience.
Curate Media and Learning Resources – Podcasts, books, videos—introduce content that sparks reflection and growth.
Celebrate Small Wins – Progress matters more than perfection.
Encourage Reflective Practices – Help students analyze past choices and imagine different outcomes.
Bottom Line
Empathy and trauma-informed care are vital—but they won’t fix everything. Students stuck in self-sabotage cycles need guidance, structure, and exposure to resilience-building frameworks. Combine care with strategy, and suddenly, those kids have tools to break the pattern and carve a future that’s actually possible.
Resilience doesn’t happen overnight—but it can be taught. With the right support, students can learn their past doesn’t have to dictate their future.
