Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness.
– Peter Levine
What it is trauma-informed learning?
Simply put, a trauma-informed practice works on lowering cortisol to allow learning to take place. Now, what situations increase cortisol in learning environments and, more specifically, in language learning environments?
- ● The pressure of performance-related tasks
- ● Fear of being judged or rejected by peers or the teacher
- ● Engaging in negative self-talk or ruminating on past experiences
- ● Public speaking (this is one major stressor in language learning contexts!!!!)
Role of cortisol on learning
Cortisol, a stress hormone, plays a complex role in learning and memory, influencing both positive and negative aspects. While low levels can improve learning, moderate stress and associated cortisol release can enhance memory consolidation, especially for emotionally arousing memories. However, high or chronic cortisol levels can impair memory and learning, particularly in areas like the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory formation and retrieval.
Moreover, trauma-informed learning underscores the importance of recognizing the prevalence of adverse and traumatic childhood experiences. It equips educators with the knowledge and strategies to identify and support students who have experienced trauma, instilling a sense of responsibility and care.
Trauma-informed language learning considers the nervous system, neuroscience, and therapy. It is neuro-affirmative, acknowledging neurodivergent identities and cultures and supporting individuals’ needs and challenges without pathologizing their neurodivergent ways of being. Moreover, it is conscious of decolonial practices that aim to dismantle colonial power dynamics in education. This approach empowers learners by considering their individual experiences and needs.
Why Trauma-Informed?
Trauma-informed means I understand how past experiences—like being corrected harshly, laughed at for your accent, or shut down when expressing yourself—can live in the body and impact your ability to speak freely.
Research shows that trauma affects how we process language, regulate emotions, and access memory (van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score). It’s not just in your head—your body might literally be protecting you by going quiet or freezing.
In our sessions, we work with your nervous system, not against it.
How it works?
A trauma-informed approach creates a safe, attuned, and empowering learning environment that acknowledges the impact of trauma on language, identity, and nervous system regulation. This approach recognizes that for many learners—especially those with histories of trauma or neurodivergence—language is not just a skill to be acquired, but a deeply embodied and vulnerable experience.
What sessions can look like
Every session is different because you are unique—but here are some things we might do together:
Start with a check-in or grounding moment to help you feel safe and present.
Explore topics that matter to you, not textbook scenarios—maybe sharing a story from your life, or preparing for a real conversation.
Use gentle speaking practice, with no pressure to “perform.”
Work with emotionally rich tools like poetry, journaling, or role-play to help you express more than just “correct” sentences.
If you freeze or stumble, we pause—without shame—and explore what’s going on with curiosity, not judgment.
You don’t have to push through discomfort—you get to listen to your body and go at your own pace.
Who is it for?
You’re fluent but feel anxious, blocked, or disconnected when speaking
You’ve had painful experiences with language—academic pressure, ridicule, or identity loss
You’re neurodivergent and want support that honours your way of processing
You want to feel more authentic, grounded, and confident in your voice—in every language
What you'll gain
A kinder relationship with your voice
Tools to regulate anxiety when speaking
Greater confidence in real conversations
A space where your identity, pace, and way of learning are respected and supported
If you want to explore language expression in Spanish. Contact me and let’s arrange a 30-min free consultation.
꩜ Trauma Informed language coaching (English or Spanish) – Overcome past experiences and gain confidence expressing yourself.
꩜ Spanish Language Coaching – Learn Spanish efficiently and become fluent with a personalized approach.
꩜ Blended Coaching – Ideal for neurodivergent learners or those facing a challenging moment, combining coaching and language learning.
꩜ Poetry Therapy – Improve your language skills, express emotions, and develop self-awareness and understanding.
This isn’t traditional language teaching or even coaching—it’s a healing space for your voice to emerge, grow, and be heard. If that resonates with you, I’d love to connect.
Let’s talk to book a discovery session—your voice is welcome here.