Healing the Relationship to Fear

This 1 credit continuing education class explores a focused trauma-informed approach to healing that targets a person’s relationship to an emotion, rather than slowly unpacking layer after layer of past experience. Using fear as a primary example, the class examines how emotional responses can organize beliefs, behaviors, protective patterns, and coping strategies, and how working directly with the emotion itself may support deeper awareness and change.

Participants will learn how this approach reframes healing by focusing less on repeatedly analyzing every layer of a person’s history and more on recognizing, naming, and working with the person’s relationship to a core emotional experience. The class also explores how intention, self-responsibility, and reflective awareness can support more conscious, regulated, and trauma-informed engagement in helping relationships.

Target Audience: Social workers and behavioral health professionals

Content Level: Introductory–Intermediate

About the Authors

Lori Kinsey is the founder and continued education director of Red Lotus Life, she strives to lead from a place of integrity that enables clients to expand into their most authentic self. Her passion for this work is revealed in every workshop and retreat. She has the ability to hold strong empathy and safe space for people, because of the work she has done in the areas of domestic violence and human trafficking. As a domestic abuse survivor, her goal is to help others heal from a place of compassion and trust. She has experience working with many individuals who have experienced different areas of trauma. She is truly a dynamic and inspiring speaker.

Sara Hoffman is an integrity driven coach and mentor dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence throughout the healing process. A professional recognized by the Spiral Institute and peers, as well as serving as an integral proponent, while building a heart centered supportive community. Passionate instructor and educator with expertise in compassionate and non-violent communication, addiction, and family trauma. Extensive knowledge in the areas of psychology, human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, kinesiology and nervous system regulation. Proven skill sets in numerous areas including  ethics, team building, research, healthcare, business, administration, marketing and course/content creation, with the ability to operate in highly diverse populations and emergency situations. 

Learning Objectives

After watching this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the difference between layer-by-layer exploration and a targeted approach that focuses on a person’s relationship to a core emotion.

2. Explain how fear can influence beliefs, behaviors, coping strategies, and protective responses.

3. Identify at least two ways a person’s relationship to an emotion may shape functioning in a trauma-informed practice context.

4. Apply at least two trauma-informed considerations for working with a client’s relationship to fear in a professional setting.