01/10/2025
At Hartley Law, we believe that constant education in fields that truly matter is not only key to our growth, but also to serving our clients with the highest standard of care.
This weekend Karen attended one of the leading global conferences on trauma at the prestigious University of Oxford and hosted by Masters Events. Bringing together some of the most respected voices in the field, including Bessel van der Kolk, Dan Siegel, Ruth Cohn, David Nutt, Tara Swart, Richard Schwartz, and Matthias Barker.
Delving into key topics, karen’s learnings from the importance of trauma-informed systems to the role of emotional development and interdisciplinary collaboration, will help shape how we continue to evolve as a firm.
The event showcased the latest research, practices, and therapies around trauma, while also recognising the deeply intertwined inter-generational, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of healing. It was a reminder of how essential collaboration and learning across disciplines is exactly how we need to tackle the wider societal and global challenges we face.
Some of Karen’s key takeaways were:
➡️ I couldn’t help but reflect on how, despite the urgent need for the family law system to become trauma-informed when dealing with domestic abuse, there were no other legal professionals or government employees I met in attendance. Sadly, this reflects what many clients already experience, and this gap is one we urgently need to address.
➡️ The central role of childhood, emotional development, and the brain in shaping our adult lives. In relationships, in employment, in leadership and beyond.
➡️ How many front-line therapists and psychologists became inspired when conventional methods weren’t working, and by pushing boundaries and experimenting, they became the pioneers and global experts we now learn from.
➡️ The necessity of blending disciplines, from neuroscience to spirituality, culture to mathematics, to truly understand trauma, healing, and intergenerational cycles.
➡️ The reminder that healing begins with the self. With love, courage, and authenticity. ❤️🩹💪