Episode Details

Michael Skinner is an award-winning advocate, educator, writer and critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, guitarist, addressing the issues of trauma, abuse and mental health concerns through public speaking, writing and his music.

He has spoken at the National Press Club, was a keynote presenter for a conference held by the United Nations, The State Department and Georgetown University on the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children and adults and he was part of the groundbreaking Oprah Winfrey Shows that addressed the issues of males sexually abused as children.

Since 1993, Michael’s uplifting and heartwarming story and songs of Hope and Healing has impacted thousands of people every year throughout the country. His presentations at colleges, universities, high schools, mental health centers and conferences, churches, civic groups, sexual assault and domestic violence support centers and conferences, including a women’s correctional center in Hawaii are highly acclaimed.

He has appeared on many TV, radio and Internet shows and has been the subject of many news articles regarding child abuse and mental health. Michael is also a frequent and sought after blogger on several websites and writer of articles for mental health publications. He has contributed chapters for three books, “Jyu No Tobira” [ “The Door To Freedom - Live Your Life From Today”] published in Japan, “Our Encounters with Suicide”, Europe and Great Britain and, “You Can Help: A Guide for Family & Friends of Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Assault”, United States. Michael is also featured in the film documentary, “Hold Me Right”, addressing the aftermath of sexual abuse.

His role as a consultant and trainer for the Federal government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors has been crucial in helping to shape the policy initiatives and directives for the delivery and implementation of trauma informed care and services. And he has worked with organizations nationwide to address the stigma of mental health and ending the silence of child abuse and suicide.

Michael is also the founder and director of The Surviving Spirit; a monthly newsletter and website sharing resources to help those impacted by trauma, abuse and mental health challenges.

• S.E.S.A.M.E.
• twitter SurvivinSpirit
• Michael Skinner Music
• Surviving Spirit Web Site
• Mike Skinner's YouTube page
• A teacher who was asking questions and I couldn't answer those questions.
• School should be a place of safety.
• Showing that kid that you caare for them as a human being.
• Nothing about us without us.
• What would make the school a safe place?
• The powerful connection of music.
• Be aware of mission creep.
• Trauma is disconnecting us, Music and the Arts connect us.
• What has happened to you?
• 1in6 and male survivor
• Repressed vs Suppresed memory
• National sexual exploitation hotline. 1 (800) 656-4673

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