The Power of Trauma-Informed Care

• Implementing a trauma-informed approach benefits both individuals who have experienced trauma and the professionals working with them: 

  • Improved Client Engagement and Outcomes: Trauma-informed practices create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment, helping people feel comfortable engaging in services and participating in their healing process. Building trust and collaboration empowers clients, increasing their motivation for change, deeper engagement with coping skills, and ultimately, more positive outcomes.
  • Reduced Risk of Re-traumatization: One of the primary goals of trauma-informed care is to minimize the risk of re-traumatization. Re-traumatization can be caused by stressors that are similar to the environment or circumstances of the original trauma, such as imagery, memories,  certain physical environments, or even interactions that mirror themes of previous traumas (e.g., feeling unheard/unseen, being deceived, etc.). 

  Creating a safe and predictable environment helps individuals feel secure and less vulnerable to re-experiencing their trauma. This can include providing clear explanations of treatment, offering choices, gaining consent, and acknowledging that each individual’s healing journey is unique.

  Better Support for Providers: Training in trauma-informed practices gives providers a deeper understanding of trauma and how to respond effectively, leading to increased job satisfaction and reduced burnout. Trauma-informed organizations also prioritize self-care and support for staff, recognizing the risks of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue. Promoting staff well-being fosters a positive and sustainable work environment, benefiting both staff and the individuals they serve.

Incorporating trauma-informed practices into an organization or private practice requires a commitment to ongoing learning, self-reflection, and adaptation. While the specific strategies might vary based on your setting and the populations you serve, key areas to focus on include:

• Training and Education: The study of trauma is a complex and nuanced field, with ongoing contemporary research and an ever-growing range of treatment approaches and modalities. 

Ongoing education and professional development opportunities can help you (and other providers or staff members in your practice) stay up-to-date on best practices and continue to deepen their understanding of trauma. Training should cover topics like the effects of trauma, principles of trauma-informed care, and strategies for creating safety for your clients. 

• Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment: A safe environment supports one of the main principles of trauma-informed care—safety. Creating both physical and emotional safety is crucial to promoting trust and healing, and can involve strategies like…

• • Making physical spaces feel welcoming, comfortable, and non-threatening
  • Providing clear information and explanation about services and treatment
  • Using trauma-sensitive language and communication strategies (e.g., “survivor” vs. “victim”, using safe eye contact and presence). 
• Incorporating Trauma-Sensitive Assessments and Modalities: Shifting the focus from “what is wrong with you” to “what happened to you” can be a subtle but important change in approach for clinicians. 

While symptom screeners and assessments can help determine a diagnosis, clinicians should approach clients with compassion and acknowledgment of their individual experiences. Choosing modalities that support your client’s needs from a trauma-informed perspective (e.g., EMDR, somatic therapies, sensory-motor, or trauma-informed CBT) is crucial. 

Inclusive Treatment Planning: Emphasizing client choice and empowerment throughout the treatment process challenges negative beliefs and expectations and counteracts the powerlessness associated with trauma. Regularly check in with clients to assess comfort levels, progress, and satisfaction ensures therapy remains collaborative, responsive, and safe.