Corrie Dunkin Email & Phone Number

"Can you just try to meet me where I am?" It was a question I'd heard a couple of different times voiced in different ways while working with young adults who had experienced profound childhood trauma and loss. And each time, it was a valuable reminder to me of my own difficult journey at their age and into adulthood and the teachers, coaches, counselors, professors, mentors and friends who made a difference for me- they met me where I was without judgment or criticism, without an agenda, and always in a way that made it easier for me to believe in my own inherent goodness, worth and unconditional belonging. In my 20 + years of teaching and coaching + my own healing journey through continued post traumatic growth, you'd think this would be easy for me- to meet people where they are- and at times, it has been. But when it wasn't...it really really wasn't. At these times, trauma seemed like the boss of everyone and everything. Like an untamable and insatiable beast fueled by pain, expressing pain to multiply pain. And there is not a single human on this earth who is not susceptible to becoming an easy target and instrument of its wrath. But the most beautiful thing I began to see in the midst of this terrifying reality, was the miracle of the human spirit. As I began listening more deeply to these youth and young adults, as I learned to let go of my fear for them and the judgment and control that fear generated, as I began to see the need behind behaviors born of childhood trauma, I began to see how inherently wise they were. How incredibly intelligent, witty and sensitive, resilient and strong, hilarious and tender, how pure and whole and profoundly loving each of them were and are. They ended up teaching me far more than I could've ever taught them. They taught me to see them beyond trauma. They taught me to make fun of myself. They held me to my most authentic, best self because they are the best BS detectors I've ever met. They are my heroes and I want to lift them up & make the world a more therapeutic place for them. This is why I became a Trauma Informed Coach. This is why I am overjoyed to remain a student of my own healing, to hold space for and support others in their post traumatic growth journeys and finally, to contribute to a culture of healing with all that I am. As a Certified Trauma Informed Wellbeing Coach, it is with great humility and growing hope I can honestly say now, Yes, with all that I am, I'll meet you where you are. I'm with you and for you. Your Cor Coach

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  Calvin University

  Communication And Media Studies