For the past number of years, I have been lucky enough to be a part of an elite squad known as the Traumatic Loss Coalition (TLC). Since 2000, the TLC has been providing support to youth serving organizations impacted by traumatic events such as homicide, illness and suicide, to name a few.

Every county in New Jersey has a TLC and initially I started as a volunteer member on the Somerset County Lead Response Team (LRT). I learned so much from my experience, working alongside then coordinator Naomi Persaud, LCSW, and was ultimately asked to coordinate the Somerset County TLC upon her departure from the position.

The TLC’s dual mission is excellence in suicide prevention and providing trauma response assistance to schools following unfortunate losses due to suicide, homicide, accident and illness. We accomplish this by providing county, regional and statewide conferences, training, consultation, onsite traumatic loss response and technical assistance. The purpose is to make sure that those working with youth from a variety of disciplines and programs have up-to-date knowledge and best practices surrounding mental health issues, suicide prevention, traumatic grief and resiliency empowerment.

There is no fee for organizations to request psychological first aid in the aftermath of a traumatic event. The TLC is able to provide support directly to youth, but also support any staff that have been impacted by the event.

As the Somerset County Coordinator, I provide suicide prevention trainings for youth serving organizations and I’m certified trainer in the evidence-based Question. Persuade. Refer. (QPR) method of suicide prevention (three steps that anyone can learn to help prevent suicide). I also deliver the Managing Sudden Loss training to onboard new LRT members, Mental Health First Aid, Psychological First Aid and other presentations as requested.

If you are from a youth serving organization and need the support of the TLC, please feel free to reach out directly to your county coordinator or call the TLC Central Office at 732-235-2810. To contact the Somerset County TLC, please call me at 908-309-9087.

What if I don’t need TLC Support, but I want counseling?

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor based in New Jersey that specializes in treating youth (14+) and adults following a trauma to learn how to begin the healing process and effectively cope by working toward their personal wellness goals. If you would like a partner in your recovery, book a complimentary 15-minute consultation or appointment through the client portal or contact me at [email protected] or (908) 248-2762.

“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.” -unknown