What Inspired Understory
When a person visits a forest, they are typically in awe of the soaring treetops. Their size, strength, and majesty are a wonder to behold. People don’t realize that a tree’s ability to thrive depends on the understory below. The understory provides essential elements that keep the forest balanced, alive, and flourishing.
Just as the understory plays a crucial role in supporting the forest ecosystem, the less visible aspects of a person’s life shape who they become. Every person requires the right combination of resources to navigate life’s challenges. At Understory, we work in partnership with people to identify and build the key supports necessary for long-term resilience and healthy development.
Our mission is to grow resilient people and organizations.
We aim to create educational and therapeutic spaces that allow people to overcome their challenges, develop effective coping strategies, and strengthen their social and emotional well-being.
Philosophical approach
At Understory we adapt our services and supports to the unique needs of the people we serve.
Our approach is grounded in neurodevelopmental research, which contends that interventions and programs must match a person’s unique brain functioning to be successful.
To foster resilience, we help people build adequate internal and external resources to successfully overcome stressful experiences.
Our Principles and Values
The foundation of a therapeutic relationship is trust. Within this trusting relationship, a person benefits from support, guidance, and calm. The strength of the relationship allows the person to explore their challenges, develop new skills, and gain valuable insights.
Therapeutic interventions are guided by brain science. A person’s life story, including their adverse experiences and relational history, has neurological impact. Interventions are sequenced to ensure that there are lasting positive effects across settings.
Through a strengths-based approach, each individual is encouraged to engage in activities that bring them joy and build relevant skills. Movement, art, and music are utilized to repair or strengthen a person’s regulatory capabilities.
Publications
Links and Articles
TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE GUIDE FOR EVERYONE
TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE GUIDE FOR EVERYONE
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A Decade of Trauma-Informed Care: An Organizational Case Study
Aaron Muttillo, Jennifer L. Murphy & Anne Galletta
A Decade of Trauma-Informed Care: An Organizational Case Study
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Is School Psychology Training and Continuing Professional Development Sufficient to Support Specific Learning Disability Identification in Urban Schools?
Is School Psychology Training and Continuing Professional Development Sufficient to Support Specific Learning Disability Identification in Urban Schools?
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