The Center and the NMT Model

Deborah Pettitt, the director of the Center has been certified in Phase I and Phase II of Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neuro-sequential Model of Therapeutics. Dr. Bruce D. Perry is a prominent psychiatrist and neuroscientist known for his work in the field of childhood trauma and its impact on brain development and mental health. He is the Senior Fellow of The ChildTrauma Academy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the understanding of childhood trauma and its effects on the developing brain. I thought this month I would give you a little insight into Dr. Perry and the NMT model.

What follows is an overview of Dr. Perry’s work in the context of childhood trauma:

1. Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT): Dr. Perry is the developer of the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, a framework for understanding how adverse childhood experiences can affect brain development. NMT is used by professionals to create individualized treatment plans for children who have experienced trauma. This is the certified training that Deborah has received.
2. Research on Brain Development: Much of Dr. Perry’s research focuses on how early childhood experiences, especially traumatic ones, can impact the developing brain. His work has highlighted the critical importance of early interventions and support for children who have experienced trauma to mitigate potential long-term effects.
3. Books and Publications: Dr. Perry has authored several books and numerous scientific articles on topics related to child trauma. One of his most well-known books is “The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog,” co-authored with journalist Maia Szalavitz. In this book, he shares stories of his experiences working with traumatized children and explains the neurobiological effects of trauma in an accessible manner.
4. Advocacy and Awareness: Dr. Perry is an advocate for policies and practices that prioritize the well-being of children and families. He has been instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of trauma-informed care and the need for a more compassionate and holistic approach to supporting children who have experienced trauma.
5. Collaboration: Dr. Perry has collaborated with organizations, including the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), to develop resources and guidelines for professionals working with traumatized children.

In summary, Dr. Bruce Perry is a leading expert in the field of childhood trauma and has made significant contributions to our understanding of how trauma impacts the developing brain and overall well-being of children. His work has had a profound influence on trauma-informed care practices and has helped shape policies and interventions aimed at improving the lives of children who have experienced trauma. Deborah uses the principles she has learned from Dr. Perry to inform and aid in the treatment of children who have experienced trauma and neglect.  If you would like to read more about Deborah and the NMT model please click on the link provided.