What happens when someone with lived experience of the care system becomes a leading voice in trauma-informed practice? Dr. Lisa Cherry's journey from writing complaints to the director of social services as a child in care to becoming an internationally recognised consultant offers profound insights into breaking intergenerational cycles of trauma.
Drawing from her 35 years of experience working in education and children's services, Dr. Cherry shares the deeply personal story of how raising her own children became "one of the deepest education experiences" she's had. Her powerful reflections on breaking cycles through consistent presence and connection with her now-adult children demonstrates the transformative potential of trauma-informed parenting and practice.
Two critical messages emerge that could revolutionise how we support vulnerable children. First, we must examine the problematic language used to describe children and young people in care - language that shapes how they're viewed and treated. Second, we need deeper understanding that behaviour is communication, especially when children lack the capacity to articulate their trauma verbally. As Dr. Cherry explains, "It's very difficult to think about behaviour as communication if you don't have time and space to think about how you communicate your own distress when distressed."
The conversation explores how starved systems with reduced funding make genuine relational work increasingly difficult, yet Dr. Cherry shares examples of organisations prioritising connection and belonging against these odds. Her three books - including the recently published "Weaving a Web of Belonging" - combine academic knowledge, professional practice and lived experience in accessible ways for busy practitioners.
Want to transform your understanding of trauma-informed practice? This episode offers both practical insights and profound wisdom from someone who's walked the path from care experience to international advocacy. Listen now to discover how we can create services that truly understand human development and support both children and the professionals who work with them.
Lisa's Bio:
Dr Lisa Cherry is the Director of Trauma Informed Consultancy Services Ltd leading a dynamic and creative organisation that provides a 'one stop' approach to delivering on research, consultancy and learning and development. Lisa is an author, researcher, leading international trainer and consultant, specialising in assisting schools, services and systems to create systemic change to the way that we work with those experiencing and living with, the legacy of trauma. Lisa has been working in and around Education and Children’s Services for over 35 years and combines academic knowledge and research with professional expertise and personal experience. Lisa has worked extensively across many sectors with Social workers, Educators, Probation Workers and those in Adult Services, training and speaking to over 35,000 people around the world including in the US, Australia and Pakistan and across the whole of the UK.
To find out more about Lisa, visit her website: https://www.ticservicesltd.com/
To listen to a podcast interview I gave on Lisa's podcast (referred to in this episode), visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D3A4g73Dqw
Disclaimer
Information reported by guests of this podcast is assumed to be accurate as stated. Podcast owner Colby Pearce is not responsible for any error of facts presented by podcast guests. In addition, unless otherwise specified, opinions expressed by guests of this podcast may not reflect those of the podcast owner, Colby Pearce.
