CASLPO News

Trauma-Informed Care in Action E-Forum: Recordings Available

CASLPO is committed to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion in healthcare. As part of our DEI E-Forum series, Trauma-Informed Care in Action explores how trauma-informed principles can be applied in audiology and speech-language pathology practice.

The recording of Session 1 is now available, and you can still register to join Session 2.

Part 1: Understanding Trauma-Informed Care (October 14, 2026)

In the first session, Gwen Merrick introduced foundational trauma-informed principles and explored how clinicians’ and patients’ nervous system responses can shape clinical interactions.

Participants learned about:

• How trauma and dysregulation may present during clinical encounters
• The importance of clinician self-awareness and self-regulation
• How safety, trust, collaboration, choice and empowerment support therapeutic relationships
• Approaches to rupture, repair, recovery, referral and clinician well-being
• How prioritizing connection over control can improve engagement with patients and families

View the Part 1 Recording

Part 2: Trauma-Informed Care in Practice (October 28, 2026)

The second session will focus on applying trauma-informed principles to real clinical situations across audiology and speech-language pathology settings that attendees have submitted for discussion.

Gwen and Sylvia will guide participants through audiology- and speech-language pathology–specific scenarios involving experiences such as sudden or progressive changes in communication or hearing, grief and loss, difficult diagnoses, family distress, and challenging care decisions.

Participants will explore practical approaches for:

• recognizing activation or dysregulation in themselves and others;
• responding to strong emotions with empathy and curiosity;
• supporting patient and family choice without losing sight of clinical responsibilities;
• communicating difficult information using tools such as NURSE and Ask–Share–Ask;
• repairing difficult interactions and involving the broader care team; and
• documenting sensitive encounters respectfully and without stigmatizing patients or families.

View the Part 2 Recording

About the Speakers

Gwen Merrick is a speech-language pathologist, psychotherapist and Advanced SOMA Breath instructor. After more than 20 years in hospital-based care, she established a private practice offering voice therapy, psychotherapy, breathwork and peer community. Gwen emphasizes that trauma-informed care begins with the clinician, including the importance of self-regulation when supporting others.

Sylvia Ciechanowski is a registered audiologist whose clinical experience includes working with older adults, people living with chronic illness, families and interdisciplinary healthcare teams. Drawing on her experience at Baycrest and in other clinical settings, Sylvia will explore how trauma-informed principles can inform audiology practice.