Secret #37: Youth Interpersonal Violence with Carina Simmons

In this episode of Life's Dirty Little Secrets, hosts Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry talk to Carina Simmons, a consultant clinical psychologist from Barts National Health Service Trust, Royal London Hospital. Carina discusses the complexities surrounding youth interpersonal violence, the impact of social media, and the challenges faced by youth in managing emotions and mental health.

Emphasizing a holistic approach, Carina highlights the importance of addressing both individual and systemic factors, the need for early intervention, and the role of emotional literacy in preventing violence. The conversation also explores the unique difficulties faced by young men in expressing emotions and the therapeutic potential of building strong, trusting relationships.

Highlights:

• Understanding Youth Violence
• Role of Social Media in Youth Violence
• Causes of Youth Violence
• Male Emotional Expression
• Complex trauma in youth

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Clarification

00:24 Meet Carina Simmons

01:05 Understanding Youth Violence

01:36 Factors Contributing to Youth Violence

03:56 Approaches in Trauma Centers

06:14 Complex Trauma and Mental Health

15:47 Gender Differences in Emotional Expression

25:29 The Role of Social Media

34:57 Supporting Emotional Literacy

50:43 Final Thoughts and Reflections

About Carina Simmons

More about Barts NHS Trust based in the Royal London Hospital

Learn more about London’s Air Ambulance

Learn more about The Major Trauma Centre

I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Barts NHS Trust based in the Royal London Hospital. I lead the Major Trauma Centre's Clinical Psychology Service which aims to integrate psychological and physical healthcare in major trauma for patients across the lifespan. We provide responsive and proactive inpatient and outpatient services and also offer a variety of CPD sessions for our staff. I lead and manage the service as part of the pan-London Major Trauma Network and work closely with St Giles, the After Trauma Team, Police Liaison, Therapies, medical and nursing colleagues to provide the highest standard of joined up care.