--- title: Traumatic Stress Institute Blog | Steve Brown, PsyD description: "Steve Brown, Psy.D., is the Director of the Traumatic Stress Institute of Klingberg Family Centers. A clinical psychologist, he is a primary architect of TSI’s internationally-recognized whole-system change process to trauma-informed care. He is a co-creator, with Dr. Courtney Baker, of the Attitudes Related to Trauma-Informed Care (ARTIC) Scale, one of the first psychometric measures of TIC. He trains professionals nationally on psychological trauma and trauma-informed care. In addition to being a psychologist, he is a long time sexuality educator/trainer and author of Streetwise to Sex-Wise: Sexuality Education for High Risk Youth, a sexuality education curricula used internationally by agencies and schools serving high-risk youth." --- [![Traumatic Stress Institute](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/hs-fs/hubfs/tsi-logo-transparent-sm-3.png?width=1500&height=329&name=tsi-logo-transparent-sm-3.png "Traumatic Stress Institute")](https://traumaticstressinstitute.org/) - [About](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/about-2/) - [Vision - Mission - Values](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/about-2/mission/) - [Traumatic Stress Institute Staff](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/about-2/staff/) - [TSI Faculty Trainers](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/about-2/rc-faculty-trainers/) - [Sidran](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/sidran-redirect/) - [History of Traumatic Stress Institute](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/about-2/company-history/) - [Klingberg Family Centers](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/about-2/klingberg-family-centers/) - [Careers](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/careers/) - [Trauma-Informed Care](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/what-is-trauma-informed-care/) - [What Is Trauma Informed Care?](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/what-is-trauma-informed-care/) - [Trauma-Informed Care for Organizations](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/trauma-informed-care-for-organizations/) - Risking Connection - [RC 25th Anniversary](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/rc-25th-anniversary/) - [Risking Connection Change Model to Trauma-Informed Care – Standard](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/services/risking-connection-change-model/) - [IDD Organizations & Systems](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/services/risking-connection-change-model-idd/) - [Current Client Agencies of the Traumatic Stress Institute](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/services/whole-system-transformation-to-trauma-informed-care-tic/agencies-using-rc-as-training-model/) - [Risking Connection® (RC) Training](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/risking-connection-training/) - [Restorative Approach® (RA) Training](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/services/restorative-approach-training/) - [ARTIC Scale](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/the-artic-scale/) - [Training Events](https://traumaticstressinstitute.org/events/) - [Trainers' Corner](https://traumaticstressinstitute.org/trainers-corner/) - [Blog](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog) - [Books](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/books/) - [Helplines](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/hotline-list/) - [Contact](https://traumaticstressinstitute.org/contact/) ### Subscribe to updates ### Categories - [Whole-System Change (54)](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/tag/whole-system-change) - [Measurement & Research (29)](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/tag/measurement-research) - [Mindfulness (24)](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/tag/mindfulness) - [IDD Organizations (11)](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/tag/idd-organizations) - [Crisis Response (8)](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/tag/crisis-response) - [Head Start (8)](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/tag/head-start) - [Insider (1)](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/tag/insider) See all This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ### Recent Posts ## Steve Brown, PsyD Steve Brown, Psy.D., is the Director of the Traumatic Stress Institute of Klingberg Family Centers. A clinical psychologist, he is a primary architect of TSI’s internationally-recognized whole-system change process to trauma-informed care. He is a co-creator, with Dr. Courtney Baker, of the Attitudes Related to Trauma-Informed Care (ARTIC) Scale, one of the first psychometric measures of TIC. He trains professionals nationally on psychological trauma and trauma-informed care. In addition to being a psychologist, he is a long time sexuality educator/trainer and author of Streetwise to Sex-Wise: Sexuality Education for High Risk Youth, a sexuality education curricula used internationally by agencies and schools serving high-risk youth. ## Recent Posts [![](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Cover%20Photos%20-%20Brainstorming%20(4)-1.png)](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/charting-the-future-of-tsi-our-2026-to-2028-strategic-plan) ## [Charting the Future of TSI – Our 2026 to 2028 Strategic Plan](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/charting-the-future-of-tsi-our-2026-to-2028-strategic-plan) May 28, 2026 by [Steve Brown, PsyD](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/author/steve-brown-psyd) posted in [Whole-System Change](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/topic/whole-system-change), [Measurement & Research](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/topic/measurement-research) [0 Comments](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/charting-the-future-of-tsi-our-2026-to-2028-strategic-plan#comments-listing) For the first time in our 20-year history, the [Traumatic Stress Institute](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/) (TSI) engaged in a formal strategic planning process, resulting in a concrete strategic plan for the next two years.After 12 months of work, and under the wise guidance of [Leading Culture Solutions](https://www.leadingculturesolutions.com/), our entire team worked to identify specific strategic initiatives in 4 areas: [Read More](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/charting-the-future-of-tsi-our-2026-to-2028-strategic-plan) [![](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Cover%20Photos%20-%20Brainstorming%20(8).png)](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/behavioral-health-hospitals-benefits-of-trauma-informed-care-training-and-system-change) ## [Hospital-Based Behavioral Health: 7 Benefits of Trauma-Informed Care Training and System Change](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/behavioral-health-hospitals-benefits-of-trauma-informed-care-training-and-system-change) May 7, 2026 by [Steve Brown, PsyD](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/author/steve-brown-psyd) posted in [Crisis Response](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/topic/crisis-response), [Whole-System Change](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/topic/whole-system-change) [0 Comments](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/behavioral-health-hospitals-benefits-of-trauma-informed-care-training-and-system-change#comments-listing) Hospital-based behavioral health departments work tirelessly everyday to keep communities healthy and safe. However, many healthcare systems experience symptoms that transform healing spaces into re-traumatizing environments for patients as well as leadership, physicians, and staff. Patients with complex needs, larger system pressures, changes in leadership, and staff turnover all can evoke fear and stress, resulting in punitive and non-relational interactions. This kind of climate unwittingly replicates the abusive dynamics patients and staff may have experienced in their own lives, leading to poor outcomes.   [Read More](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/behavioral-health-hospitals-benefits-of-trauma-informed-care-training-and-system-change) [![](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/hubfs/Leading%20Paper%20Cranes.png)](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/how-to-address-vicarious-or-secondary-trauma-at-your-organization) ## [How to Address Vicarious or Secondary Trauma at your Organization](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/how-to-address-vicarious-or-secondary-trauma-at-your-organization) October 21, 2025 by [Steve Brown, PsyD](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/author/steve-brown-psyd) posted in [Whole-System Change](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/topic/whole-system-change) [0 Comments](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/how-to-address-vicarious-or-secondary-trauma-at-your-organization#comments-listing) Vicarious trauma, a form of secondary trauma, is an inescapable effect of working with trauma survivors. It is an occupational hazard and may be the single most important factor impacting the success or failure of trauma work. Organizations need to address vicarious trauma as an ethical imperative.   *[Sign up for our free sampler session](https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/rmq8P-jITOGIJJ_SsV8jyQ) on Vicarious Trauma and receive a replay of Trauma-Informed Care basics!* [Read More](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/how-to-address-vicarious-or-secondary-trauma-at-your-organization) [![](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/hubfs/Origins-1.png)](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/tsi-community-event-alert-launch-of-the-resilience-learning-community) ## [TSI Community Event Alert: Launch of the Resilience Learning Community](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/tsi-community-event-alert-launch-of-the-resilience-learning-community) July 1, 2025 by [Steve Brown, PsyD](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/author/steve-brown-psyd) posted in [Whole-System Change](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/topic/whole-system-change) [0 Comments](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/tsi-community-event-alert-launch-of-the-resilience-learning-community#comments-listing) The [Traumatic Stress Institute](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/) is pleased to share an upcoming event that may be of interest to our community. [Origins Training](https://originstraining.org/) is launching the Resilience Learning Community—a new virtual space focused on exploring resilience practices within organizations and communities. [Read More](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/tsi-community-event-alert-launch-of-the-resilience-learning-community) [![](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/hubfs/ARTIC%20Blog%20Title%20Image%20(1).png)](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/encouraging-outcomes-from-a-trauma-informed-care-system-change-initiative) ## [Encouraging Outcomes from a Trauma-Informed Care System Change Initiative](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/encouraging-outcomes-from-a-trauma-informed-care-system-change-initiative) April 9, 2025 by [Steve Brown, PsyD](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/author/steve-brown-psyd) posted in [Measurement & Research](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/topic/measurement-research), [IDD Organizations](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/topic/idd-organizations) [1 Comment](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/encouraging-outcomes-from-a-trauma-informed-care-system-change-initiative#comments-listing) 2024 brought to an end a 19-month initiative by three Connecticut-based Arc organizations to implement systemwide change to trauma-informed care. In contrast to many organizations' approaches to trauma-informed change, [The Arc of Litchfield County](https://www.litchfieldarc.org/), [CCARC](https://www.ccarc.com/), [MidState Arc](https://midstatearc.org/) took to heart the maxim of Dr. Sandra Bloom, one of the grandmothers of the TIC movement: [Read More](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/encouraging-outcomes-from-a-trauma-informed-care-system-change-initiative) [![](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/hubfs/TSI%20Standard%20Blog%20Post%20Pict%20(900x600).png)](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/in-the-spotlight-rc-at-connecticut-arc-agencies) ## [In the Spotlight: Risking Connection at Three Connecticut Arc Agencies](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/in-the-spotlight-rc-at-connecticut-arc-agencies) December 9, 2024 by [Steve Brown, PsyD](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/author/steve-brown-psyd) posted in [Whole-System Change](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/topic/whole-system-change) [0 Comments](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/in-the-spotlight-rc-at-connecticut-arc-agencies#comments-listing)   [Arc of Litchfield County](https://www.litchfieldarc.org/?utm_campaign=Events%20Registration&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8miTfex1ERIo-lKCjZugR2T8fijeLJZAOTf4dJr2fgyAGeFvQrn0o6yCOLH7r_zNGcDABV), [MidState Arc](https://midstatearc.org/?utm_campaign=Events%20Registration&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8miTfex1ERIo-lKCjZugR2T8fijeLJZAOTf4dJr2fgyAGeFvQrn0o6yCOLH7r_zNGcDABV), and [CCARC](https://www.ccarc.com/?utm_campaign=Events%20Registration&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8miTfex1ERIo-lKCjZugR2T8fijeLJZAOTf4dJr2fgyAGeFvQrn0o6yCOLH7r_zNGcDABV) began their Risking Connection journey in late 2022 as a Learning Collaborative. TSI Director, Steve Brown, presented panels at two national conferences this fall about the TIC IDD Learning Collaborative work these three amazing Connecticut-based Arc organizations have done. [Read More](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/in-the-spotlight-rc-at-connecticut-arc-agencies) [![](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/hubfs/Slide%201%20-%20most%20current%20version.png)](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/the-new-risking-connection-curriculum) ## [The New Risking Connection Curriculum](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/the-new-risking-connection-curriculum) August 29, 2024 by [Steve Brown, PsyD](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/author/steve-brown-psyd) posted in [Whole-System Change](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/topic/whole-system-change) [1 Comment](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/the-new-risking-connection-curriculum#comments-listing) This year marks a new era in the history of the Risking Connection (RC) training model. The Traumatic Stress Institute (TSI) completed the most comprehensive revision of the training model since its inception in 2000. The revisions over the course of RC’s 24-year history have aspired to remain faithful to the principles of the original curriculum while reflecting advancements in the always-evolving trauma field, as well as ensuring the training is relevant to a wide variety of sectors serving trauma survivors. [Read More](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/the-new-risking-connection-curriculum) [![](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/hubfs/MJ%20Fancy%20Free%20Bike%20v2%20(1).png)](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/saying-goodbye-to-mary-jo-harwood) ## [Saying Goodbye to Mary Jo Harwood](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/saying-goodbye-to-mary-jo-harwood) May 29, 2024 by [Steve Brown, PsyD](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/author/steve-brown-psyd) posted in [Whole-System Change](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/topic/whole-system-change) [2 Comments](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/saying-goodbye-to-mary-jo-harwood#comments-listing) Phew, this is a hard one for me: It is with profound appreciation, sadness, and good wishes that we announce the retirement of [Mary Jo Harwood, LSW, DNCCM](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/about-2/staff/) from the [Traumatic Stress Institute](https://www.traumaticstressinstitute.org/) (TSI). Her last day will be June 10th. [Read More](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/saying-goodbye-to-mary-jo-harwood) [![](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/hubfs/ARC%20CT%20Logos%20Combined%20v2.png)](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/what-does-trauma-informed-care-look-like-in-idd-organizations-a-visual-tour) ## [What Does Trauma-Informed Care Look Like in IDD Organizations?  A Visual Tour](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/what-does-trauma-informed-care-look-like-in-idd-organizations-a-visual-tour) October 16, 2023 by [Steve Brown, PsyD](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/author/steve-brown-psyd) posted in [Whole-System Change](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/topic/whole-system-change), [Measurement & Research](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/topic/measurement-research), [IDD Organizations](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/topic/idd-organizations) [2 Comments](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/what-does-trauma-informed-care-look-like-in-idd-organizations-a-visual-tour#comments-listing) In December 2022, three Connecticut-based Arc organizations embarked on a journey together to implement trauma-informed care (TIC) – not just with clinicians, not just a one-time training – but each as a whole organization aspiring to embed TIC into the fabric of their culture. [Read More](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/what-does-trauma-informed-care-look-like-in-idd-organizations-a-visual-tour) [![](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/hubfs/SAMHSA%20TIC%20Guide.png)](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/samhsa-uses-tsis-model-as-a-framework-for-its-newest-trauma-informed-care-report) ## [SAMHSA Uses TSI Model as a Framework for its Newest Trauma-Informed Care Report](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/samhsa-uses-tsis-model-as-a-framework-for-its-newest-trauma-informed-care-report) August 17, 2023 by [Steve Brown, PsyD](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/author/steve-brown-psyd) [2 Comments](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/samhsa-uses-tsis-model-as-a-framework-for-its-newest-trauma-informed-care-report#comments-listing) It is widely accepted that the roots of trauma-informed care (TIC) as a concept and as a movement grew in the soil conceived and nurtured by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a bureau of the US federal government. In the years since the Dare to Vision conference in 1994, SAMHSA has produced three seminal publications that have defined, outlined, and tracked the evolution of the theory and practice of a trauma-informed approach (TIA). [Read More](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/samhsa-uses-tsis-model-as-a-framework-for-its-newest-trauma-informed-care-report) [All posts](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/all) [Next](https://blog.traumaticstressinstitute.com/blog/author/steve-brown-psyd/page/2) Copyright 2026 | Traumatic Stress Institute