Trauma-Informed Frameworks
E.L.I.S.M.E.™, D.E.P.T.H.™, I.C.E.B.E.R.G.™, A.N.C.H.O.R.™, and H.O.L.D.™
Dr. Elisme’s proprietary trauma-informed frameworks translate complex neuroscience into practical tools for leaders, organizations, and families.
Frameworks That Guide Our Work
Dr. Elisme has developed five signature frameworks that translate complex trauma science and neuroscience into practical, actionable strategies.
THE FRAMEWORKS
Our unique, proprietary frameworks translate complex neuroscience and trauma science into practical, actionable tools for immediate use in leadership, caregiving, and daily practice.
E.L.I.S.M.E.™ Resilience Model
Empowerment, Leadership, Insight, Safety, Mindfulness, and Education
A comprehensive roadmap for building resilience at individual, team, and organizational levels. The E.L.I.S.M.E.™ Model provides a structured approach to understanding how trauma affects behavior, relationships, and decision-making, while offering clear pathways to healing and growth.
What it addresses:
- How to build personal and collective empowerment
- Leadership practices that create psychological safety
- Developing insight into trauma responses and patterns
- Creating environments of emotional and physical safety
- Integrating mindfulness into daily practice
- Education as a tool for transformation
D.E.P.T.H.™ Approach
Discover, Engage, Practice, Trust, Honor
A communication framework for trust-based, non-coercive leadership that centers dignity and relationship. The D.E.P.T.H.™ Approach guides leaders in having difficult conversations, building authentic connections, and creating cultures where people feel seen and valued.
What it addresses:
- How to discover what matters most to your team
- Engaging with curiosity rather than judgment
- Practicing new ways of communicating under pressure
- Building trust through consistency and follow-through
- Honoring the humanity and expertise of every person
I.C.E.B.E.R.G.™ Method
A visual framework reminding us that behavior is only the surface; nervous system states live underneath
The I.C.E.B.E.R.G.™ Method helps leaders, educators, and caregivers understand that what we see (behavior) is a small fraction of what’s actually happening. Beneath the surface are nervous system responses, unmet needs, trauma history, and systemic pressures.
What it addresses:
- Why traditional behavior management often fails
- How to respond to challenging behavior with curiosity instead of punishment
- Understanding the neurobiological drivers of "difficult" behavior
- Creating interventions that address root causes, not symptoms
A.N.C.H.O.R.™ Framework
A multidimensional regulation framework available in secular, faith-integrated, and Haitian Creole (ANKRE) adaptations
The A.N.C.H.O.R.™ Framework is a practical, accessible tool for nervous system regulation that can be adapted to different cultural and spiritual contexts. It provides concrete strategies for grounding, regulating, and recovering in real time.
What it addresses:
- How to recognize when your nervous system is dysregulated
- Practical grounding techniques for high-stress moments
- Creating micro-recovery practices throughout the day
- Building sustainable regulation habits
- Adapting tools to honor cultural and spiritual practices
H.O.L.D.™ Framework
Hear, Organize, Lead, Distribute
The H.O.L.D.™ Framework is a master organizational model for trauma-informed leadership. It guides leaders through a clear, repeatable process for receiving information, making sense of it, leading with intention, and distributing responsibility in ways that sustain both the mission and the people carrying it out.
What it addresses:
- How to hear what your team, community, or organization is actually saying
- Organizing competing demands without losing sight of people
- Leading with clarity and steadiness under pressure
- Distributing work, authority, and emotional labor in sustainable ways
- Building leadership systems that do not depend on one person carrying everything
Adaptations available
Healthcare resilience training, burnout prevention, parent coaching, community programs
Secular version
Secular version for schools, healthcare, and workplaces
Faith-integrated version
Faith-integrated version for churches and religious communities
ANKRE (Haitian Creole version)
ANKRE (Haitian Creole version) for Haitian diaspora communities
LEARNING MORE
Interested in bringing these frameworks to your organization or community?
Each framework can be introduced in a single session or explored in depth through multi-week series or organizational consulting engagements. We customize the depth and format based on your needs.
How Our Frameworks Come to Life
These frameworks are not theoretical concepts. They are taught through:
- Real-world application to your specific context
- Interactive exercises and practice scenarios
- Digital toolkits with templates, scripts, and quick-reference guides
- Case examples from similar organizations or situations
- Cultural adaptation to honor diverse communities
- Ongoing support to integrate frameworks into daily practice