The Traumakinder-Podcast
Episode 4 Part 1: Prenatal Influences on Childhood Development
A conversation with Prof. Eva Möhler from the University Hospital of Saarland and SHG Clinics.
What effects does stress during pregnancy have on a child’s development? What neurophysiological changes can occur, and what symptoms are typical? Which therapeutic methods can be applied, and what are the prospects for success?
Professor Eva Möhler has been researching this field for many years and, as a clinic director and therapist, possesses extensive practical experience in child and adolescent psychiatry, psychotherapy, and psychosomatics. Together with Andrea Dixius, she developed the START method and START Kids as therapeutic approaches for traumatized children and adolescents to address the high number of cases during the 2015 refugee crisis.
This method has proven effective in evaluations as a treatment for trauma-related disorders.
Episode 4 Part 2: Trauma Therapy Between Science and Practice
The second part of the podcast with Prof. Eva Möhler focuses on the consequences that so-called ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) can have on the entire life of those affected, including an increased risk for many common diseases.
When explaining diagnosis and therapy methods—especially for children and adolescents—the gaps between current scientific knowledge and everyday medical practice become apparent. Incomplete or incorrect diagnoses and treatments can not only cause individual suffering but also lead to significant economic costs that could be avoided through prevention.
Episode 3: Adopted and Foster Children: Parenting and Early Trauma
In coversation with Kay-Uwe Fock, graduate psychologist and advisor for adoptive and foster families as well as professionals in youth welfare services
Many adoptive and foster children display behavioral issues that are difficult to classify and can heavily strain the family system. What are the causes of these behaviors, and how can adoptive and foster parents manage them?
Kay-Uwe Fock has over 30 years of experience advising adoptive and foster families. He explains why so many children behave so differently from biological children and which practical methods help prevent escalations and support children on their path to a self-determined life, even under challenging external circumstances.
Episode 2: Late Consequences of Early Trauma
In conversation with Dr. Christian Firus, Glotterbad Rehabilitation Clinic
What traces can stress experiences in early childhood leave in adults? How long do they last, and how can they be managed? What kind of support do those affected need, and what new insights exist for treating complex post-traumatic stress disorder? What role does epigenetics play, and how can it be used to open new perspectives for emotionally injured people?
Dr. Christian Firus is a specialist in psychosomatic medicine, psychotherapy, and psychiatry. He advocates for early education, recognition of mental disorders as long-term therapeutic conditions, and urges those affected to break the silence to effectively improve their quality of life.
Episode 1: Developmentally Traumatized Children in Foster Families
In conversation with Dr. Paul Neumann, Institute for Effective Social Work
What effects can neglect, abuse, and early stress experiences have on child development, and how can developmental trauma be addressed?
Early support for foster and adoptive families with developmentally traumatized children can sustainably promote the child’s development. Dr. Paul Neumann presents the concept of the Institute for Effective Social Work. He advocates for early and comprehensive training of foster and adoptive parents and provides insights into professional work with developmentally traumatized children on a farm.
