Caring Is Essential

How We Serve

Where science, soul, and skill meet to transform care.

Here you’ll find pathways to grow, learn, and lead—each one grounded in trauma-informed developmental care, Caring Science, and the B.U.F.F.E.R. framework.

TIP 2.0 Certificate Program

Become a Certified Trauma-Informed Professional

TIP 2.0 is a guided pathway designed for clinicians, educators, and leaders who want to embed trauma-informed, developmentally attuned practices into their daily work. Grounded in science, soul, and skill, TIP 2.0 integrates the principles of Trauma-Informed Developmental Care (TIDC) and Caring Science with the relational leadership practices of the B.U.F.F.E.R. framework.

Through interactive modules, reflection, and community connection, you’ll gain the knowledge, confidence, and capacity to not only transform your care—but also sustain yourself in the process.

TIP Grad Spotlights

Jennifer Gantz, RN, MSN, RNC-NIC
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, USA

“It starts with me and I have the power to spark change.”

Jennifer discovered that trauma-informed care begins with presence—her own. This shift in perspective empowered her to see herself as a catalyst for change, shaping how she advocates for families and supports colleagues in the NICU.

Kami McMaster, RN, BSN

Intermountain Health, USA

“Trauma Informed Care means SOMEONE will show up. Someone will make sure someone else is seen and heard. I want to be that someone.”

For Kami, trauma-informed care is a promise to ensure no one feels unseen. TIP gave her the language and conviction to be that steady presence for families and staff alike.

Cameron Mas, MSW, LICSW

Winchester Hospital, United States

“Together, we are stronger all around.”

Cameron’s greatest insight was realizing the collective strength of her team. TIP reminded her that the journey of trauma-informed care is shared—and that collaboration is itself an act of healing.

Clarity Session

Get unstuck and uncover exactly what’s holding you back.

  • 60-minute deep-dive session

  • Identify blocks and blind spots

  • Walk away with a clear next step

The Weaving Circle

A place to belong

The Weaving Circle is a gentle, relational space for people who want to stay connected to trauma-informed, values-driven work — without pressure or performance.

It’s not a course. It’s not a program.

And there’s nothing to keep up with.

The Circle offers:

  • moments of reflection and meaning-making

  • connection to shared humanity and care

  • occasional invitations to gather or pause together

Some people engage actively. Others read quietly. Some come and go as life allows.

All are welcome.

If you’re looking for a space that feels human, spacious, and rooted in care, you’re welcome here.

Holding the WholeTM

Trauma-Informed Systems in Practice

Holding the Whole™ is Caring Essentials’ institutional offering for NICUs and healthcare teams ready to translate trauma-informed science into sustainable, system-level practice.

While individual learning is essential, lasting change also depends on the structures, leadership rhythms, and quality processes that shape everyday care. Holding the Whole™ supports teams in aligning science, culture, and strategy—strengthening coherence across people, practice, and purpose.

Through a tiered pathway, this work bridges education and implementation, helping teams move from insight to focused action without adding another initiative. The emphasis is on clarity, ownership, and sustainability—so trauma-informed care can truly take root within the system.

1:1 Coaching Package

Ongoing support tailored to your goals, mindset, and growth.

  • Weekly coaching calls

  • Personalized roadmap

  • Accountability and mindset tools

Breakthrough Intensive

One powerful day to shift patterns and accelerate progress.

  • Half-day or full-day virtual session

  • Custom plan created on the spot

  • Ideal for major decisions or transitions

Trauma-Informed Leadership Retreats

Immersions in Healing-Centered Leadership

Our retreats are in-person immersions designed for clinicians, educators, and leaders ready to embody the principles of trauma-informed leadership. Grounded in nature, creativity, and reflection, these retreats invite participants to step away from the demands of daily life and rediscover the deeper purpose of care.

Each retreat weaves together music, journaling, nature-based practice, and relational dialogue to create space for restoration and renewal. Participants leave not only with new skills but with a reawakened sense of belonging, courage, and vision.

Speaking & Workshops

Bring Trauma-Informed Leadership to Your Team or Event

Mary Coughlin is an internationally recognized leader in trauma-informed developmental care and relational leadership. Through keynotes, immersive workshops, and customized trainings, she helps organizations and teams integrate trauma-informed principles into daily practice—whether in the NICU, in healthcare leadership, or beyond.

With her blend of evidence, storytelling, and soul, Mary invites participants to not only understand trauma-informed care but to embody it in meaningful, lasting ways.

Group Coaching Circle

Grow in a supportive, like-minded community setting.

  • Weekly group Zoom calls

  • Shared insights and reflection

  • Lower cost, high impact

Trauma-Informed Tools

Tiny tools with sacred impact

Practical, tactile, and powerful—our toolkits and card decks are designed to bring trauma-informed presence into everyday practice. Whether you’re facilitating reflection with your team, grounding yourself before a shift, or sparking conversation in a workshop, these tools make the principles of trauma-informed care accessible, memorable, and actionable.

Each resource is crafted to be simple yet profound—a small act that can spark meaningful change.

Goal Alignment Strategy

A focused session to define goals that actually feel aligned.

  • Clarify core values

  • Set meaningful short-term goals

  • Identify action steps and timelines

Accountability Coaching

Stay consistent, take action, and build momentum.

  • Bi-weekly check-ins

  • Progress tracking

  • Encouragement + strategic feedback

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TIP 2.0 Certificate Program?

TIP 2.0 is an assessment-based certificate program for clinicians, educators, and leaders that integrates Trauma-Informed Developmental Care (TIDC), Caring Science, and the B.U.F.F.E.R. leadership framework. It equips participants with the science, soul, and skills needed to create trauma-informed cultures of care.

What is The Weaving Circle?

The Weaving Circle is a gentle, relational space to stay connected to this work — without pressure, performance, or expectations. It’s not a course or a program, but a place to belong, reflect, and engage at your own pace.

Do you offer speaking and workshops?

Yes. Caring Essentials provides keynotes, interactive workshops, and customized trainings for healthcare teams and organizations. These sessions integrate evidence, storytelling, and reflective practice to make trauma-informed care both practical and inspiring.

What are Trauma-Informed Leadership Retreats?

Our retreats are immersive experiences blending neuroscience, reflection, journaling, creativity, and nature-based practice. They are designed to restore leaders, deepen self-awareness, and inspire a healing-centered approach to leadership.

What are Trauma-Informed Tools?

Our tools include reflection card decks, practice toolkits, and simple yet profound resources that bring trauma-informed principles to life. They can be used individually or in groups to spark dialogue, reflection, and growth.

WHERE WILL YOU BEGIN?

Every offering is a different thread—but they all weave into the same tapestry of healing, resilience, and reimagined care. Choose the pathway that resonates with you today. The movement will grow from there.

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