Trauma-Aware to Trauma-Sensitive with Kim Neely

Guest: Kim Neely, MM, MS, CCC-SLP, for "Trauma-Aware" to "Trauma-Sensitive": Starting Your Trauma-Informed Journey, an episode of the Brainstorms: Functional Neurorehab for SLPs podcast.

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/trauma-aware-to-sensitive

Join host Renee Garrett as she explores the fundamentals of trauma-informed care for speech-language pathologists, featuring special guest Kim Neely. In this episode, learn about the physiology of the emotional system, survival modes, and the importance of understanding trauma in both children and adults. Kim Neely shares her insights from her unique career journey, combining her expertise in speech-language pathology, musical training, and neuroscience. Explore how systemic adversity affects marginalized groups and the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all patients.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Disclosures

01:35 Meet Our Guest: Kim Neely

03:27 Understanding the Emotional System

13:14 Survival Modes and Trauma Response

19:28 Implications for Therapy and Patient Care

33:14 Understanding the Amygdala and Attention Networks

34:45 Applying Neuroscience to Marginalized Groups

35:42 Grocery Store Anecdotes and Trauma-Informed Care

38:51 Systemic Adversity and Social Hierarchies

43:28 The ACE Study and Community Trauma

57:50 Misdiagnosis of ADHD and PTSD

01:01:02 Historical Context of Trauma and Mental Health

01:02:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About the Guest:

Kim Neely, MM, MS, CCC-SLP, is a practicing speech-language pathologist who brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, musical training, and a curiosity about neuroscience to her work. Before entering the field of speech-language pathology, Kim was a (mildly successful) opera singer and voice teacher. She earned her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Arizona in 2014, where she was honored with the Jean R. Guloien Outstanding Graduate Student Award. Despite not being accepted into graduate school on her first attempt, Kim went on to pursue doctoral-level coursework in neuroscience, driven by her deep interest in brain science and—admittedly—her hyperfixations. Kim identifies as neuroqueer and is passionately focused on trauma-informed care. During the COVID-19 shutdown, she completed a graduate course on the topic (her version of a sourdough starter) and continued her training through Trauma Institute International, earning certification as a Trauma-Support Specialist (CTSS), which she maintains through ongoing education. She’s “pretty okay” at being an SLP—but exceptionally committed to making the field more informed, inclusive, and brain-savvy.