What does it take to build a trauma-sensitive school climate—and keep it alive over time?
In this interactive workshop, clinical psychologist Leony Coppens takes participants along on the development journey of Trauma-Sensitive Education(TSE) in the Netherlands and Belgium. Coppens is the founder of the TSE movement in these countries and the author of the widely used book Teaching Children with Trauma (Lesgeven aan getraumatiseerde kinderen).
What began as a personal initiative has grown into a nationally recognized training program used by thousands of teachers, school teams, and trainers. In this 75-minute session, Coppens reflects on how she translated clinical insights into educational practice, and how schools began to embrace the trauma-sensitive approach. She also shares lessons learned along the way—from initial enthusiasm and momentum to the organizational and relational challenges that often emerge once schools start to put the ideasinto practice.
Central to the workshop are excerpts from the documentary On the Road to a Trauma-Sensitive School Climate, which Leony created together with schools who have been working with the approach for several years. The film was developed specifically for:
- educators and school staff,
- trainers in trauma-sensitive education, and
- school teams considering or beginning their trauma-informed journey.
The documentary highlights four key themes that will be explored during the workshop:
1. Taking the first steps – How do you start as a school team? What helps to create shared ownership and build momentum?
2. The power of relationships and co-regulation – Why are relational safety and emotional regulation central, and how do teachers embody these in practice?
3. What changes—and what challenges arise? – Concrete shifts in mindset, language, and classroom routines, as well as the most common pitfalls and barriers encountered along the way.
4. Visible impact and deep learning – What are the benefits of trauma-sensitive education for students, teachers, and the broader school climate?
Participants will have time to reflect, share experiences, and ask questions. Whether you are just beginning to explore trauma-informed practices or are looking for inspiration to strengthen your efforts, this session offers both grounding and guidance. Expect honest insights, rich stories from practice, and practical takeaways for implementation —delivered with warmth, clarity, and deep commitment to the well-being of all children.
Leony Coppens is a clinical psychologist, supervisor of the EMDR Netherlands Association, psycho-trauma therapist NtVP and founder of Trauma-sensitive education in the Netherlands. She has over thirty years of experience in treating children and adolescents with trauma-related problems. She has written several books, training courses and countless articles on trauma, resilience and trauma-sensitive education. She is the lead author of the book Teaching Traumatized Children and on this basis developed the training Trauma-Sensitive Education that is used in many schools in the Netherlands and Belgium as a basis for the development of a trauma-sensitive educational climate.
