DR. GWEN BASS
educator, researcher, author and trauma expert focused on diversity, equity, inclusion and serving kids with marginalized identities

Workshops and Events

Check out my ongoing series, workshops and upcoming events.

 

Ongoing Workshops, Series and Events

  • Upcoming Trainings

    11/25/24 7:30-9pm - From Shame to Resilience in Parenting

    Presented for MSPCC’s Kid’s Net Program

    Many caregivers grapple with the challenge of holding boundaries and addressing trauma-related behaviors while simultaneously striving to avoid re-traumatizing the children in their care. Likewise, social workers often face difficult decisions, balancing the welfare of the child with the realities of enforcing system-wide mandates.

    This session explores the profound impact of internalized shame on behavior, relationships, self-esteem, and burnout. By fostering a deeper understanding of shame dynamics, participants will gain invaluable insights into how shame influences their interactions and perceptions, so they can cultivate greater authenticity and compassion personally and professionally.

    These trainings are open to all active Massachusetts DCF Foster, Kinship and Pre-Adoptive families.

    Register here.

    12/9/24 7:30-9pm -Emotional Awareness

    Presented for MSPCC’s Kid’s Net Program

    How can we help children understand and manage their complex emotions, especially when those emotions lead to big behaviors? Learn about grounding techniques to use in the moment when children need help managing their emotions safely, as well as proactive strategies that help to reduce the frequency of challenging behavior.

    Register here.

  • Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Shame to Resilience in Parenting

    1/27/25, 2/3/25 and 2/10/25, 7:30-9pm

    Presented for The Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Massachusetts

    Many caregivers grapple with the challenge of holding boundaries and addressing trauma-related behaviors while simultaneously striving to avoid re-traumatizing the children in their care.

    This session explores the profound impact of internalized shame on behavior, relationships, self-esteem, and burnout. By fostering a deeper understanding of shame dynamics, participants will gain invaluable insights into how shame influences their interactions and perceptions, so they can cultivate greater authenticity and compassion.

    Location: Zoom  

    For more information or any questions please contact massgrg@mass.gov

    Transforming Family Patterns: Understanding and Healing Transgenerational Trauma

    1/28/25, 9:30 - 3:30pm

    Massachusetts Department of Children & Families Child Welfare Institute in Southboro

    Family patterns of dysfunction are often passed down through generations, deeply influencing parenting styles, child behavior, and the overall stability of the family system. This workshop is designed to help caregivers and social workers understand the impact of transgenerational trauma and learn strategies to break these cycles. Participants explore how inherited family dynamics shape relationships and discover practical techniques to foster a sense of belonging and stability for children within complex family systems. Sessions offer valuable insights and practical strategies to help participants foster healing and develop a toolkit of techniques that support healing and resilience in children and families. 

    By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

    • Define transgenerational trauma and explain how it affects family dynamics, parenting styles, and child behavior.

    • Identify and examine inherited patterns passed down through generations and their influence on individual and family health.

    • Learn and apply techniques to break cycles of dysfunction and enhance resilience within family systems.

    • Implement strategies to foster a sense of belonging and psychological healing for children in complex family environments.

    • Recognize the importance of self-awareness in addressing personal contributions to family dynamics.

    • Identify self-care practices to manage stress and maintain well-being as caregivers and social workers.

    • Develop effective communication skills to discuss trauma, complex family histories and family dynamics with children in a compassionate and age-appropriate manner.


  • We offer modules that focus on some of the most common issues faced by parents. Parenting advice shouldn’t feel like a list of to-dos. We help you identify your goals and values so you can parent in ways that work for you. Then, we teach practical strategies that you can put to immediate use.

    Learn More

  • Offered in partnership with the Child Welfare League of America, this skill-building opportunity engages educators and clinicians in thinking about how to improve school experiences and long-term outcomes for children who have experienced trauma.

    Learn More

  • Past Trainings

    10/2/24 9:30-12:30 - From Shame to Resilience: Healing Pathways in Child Welfare

    Massachusetts Department of Children & Families Child Welfare Institute in Southboro

    Many caregivers grapple with the challenge of holding boundaries and addressing trauma-related behaviors while simultaneously striving to avoid retraumatizing the children in their care. Likewise, social workers often face difficult decisions, balancing the welfare of the child with the realities of enforcing system-wide mandates. This session explores the profound impact of internalized shame on behavior, relationships, self-esteem, and burnout.

    By fostering a deeper understanding of shame dynamics, participants will gain invaluable insights into how shame influences their interactions and perceptions, so they can cultivate greater authenticity and compassion personally and professionally.

    10/15/24 Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Shame to Resilience in Parenting

    Presented for The Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Massachusetts

    Many caregivers grapple with the challenge of holding boundaries and addressing trauma-related behaviors while simultaneously striving to avoid re-traumatizing the children in their care.

    This session explores the profound impact of internalized shame on behavior, relationships, self-esteem, and burnout. By fostering a deeper understanding of shame dynamics, participants will gain invaluable insights into how shame influences their interactions and perceptions, so they can cultivate greater authenticity and compassion.

    Date: 10/15/2024 (Part 1)
    Date: 10/22/2024 (Part 2)
    Date: 10/29/2024 (Part 3)
    Time: 9:30 am - 11:30 am
    Location: Zoom  

    For more information or any questions please contact massgrg@mass.gov

    10.18.24 - 10.19.24 LUV Without Limits Conference: Empowering Affirmative LGBTQ+ Parenting

    10.21.24 Kidsnet Caregiver Self-Awareness

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I collaborate with individuals and organizations across a variety of settings and industries to provide rich and engaging opportunities for learning, self-reflection, strategy, and peer support.

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