Trauma has always been part of the human experience, unfortunately. It hasn’t always looked the same, but kids get bullied online; some experience neglect, and others, abuse. One out of every six women experiences rape or sexual assault, and those are only the numbers that are reported. People lose loved ones in unexpected ways. Over the past three years, everyone has endured a pandemic, political unrest, and economic uncertainty. What are we to do?
Undoubtedly, societal changes are required. But, in the meantime, how do we help all the trauma survivors—of all ages—out there? Trauma-Informed Therapy is an effective approach. With emotional and psychological safety as a top priority, such treatment can be life-changing—in the best possible ways.
What is Unique About Trauma-Informed Therapy?
Trauma affects all facets of your life. It shapes your thoughts, emotions, perceptions, and actions. Therapy that has a trauma-informed approach is diligently aware of these realities. A trauma-informed therapist never underestimates trauma’s role in someone’s life. Within that framework, they set about identifying the underlying trauma and its cause. This approach has proven to be effective for those not suffering from trauma, e.g., people struggling with depression or anxiety.
The Four Assumptions of Trauma-Informed Therapy
Also known as the “Four R’s,” they are:
Realization: When you attend a trauma-informed therapy office, the entire staff is aware of trauma and the impact it can have on lives.
Recognize: The entire staff is fully trained in recognizing the signs and symptoms of trauma.
Respond: Beyond awareness is implementation. The trauma-informed therapy office is geared toward applying the six principles described below.
Resist: Since trauma survivors can be triggered, what the staff is resisting is the re-traumatization of their clients.
The Six Principles of Trauma-Informed Therapy
Safety: Everyone—clients and staff members—must feel safe when inside the facility.
Trustworthiness and Transparency: Trauma can erode a person’s ability to trust. In a trauma-informed office, the staff is committed to being transparent in the name of developing trust.
Peer Support: Working with trauma survivors can be a challenging environment. Fostering a climate of hope and safety is a giant step toward making it a place of healing.
Collaboration and Mutuality: Effective trauma care is not a top-down hierarchy. Everyone on the premises plays a critical role.
Empowerment, Voice, and Choice: Part of the horizontal approach is empowering everyone to speak up and make their voices heard.
Cultural, Historical, and Gender: A vital part of any safe space is cultural diversity, awareness, accessibility, and acceptance. Without all of these, you run the risk of re-traumatization.
The Trauma-Informed Therapy Technique
As you can see, Trauma-Informed Therapy is much more than any specific modality or intervention. It is a personal approach in which treatment is tailored to each client’s needs—within an environment that encourages safety and trust. A trauma-informed therapist has a unique lens through which they view their clients. The trauma survivor does not have the added stress of wondering if they will be believed, validated, or understood. This approach is all about making room for a victim to feel safe and comfortable to share and, thus, to recover.
Learning More Trauma-Informed Therapy
If you or someone you know is dealing with the challenges of post-traumatic distress, there is hope, and you do not have to suffer in silence. But the key to getting proper Trauma-Informed Therapy lies in finding a qualified practitioner and a facility oriented toward the principles discussed above.
With all that in mind, I invite you to reach out and learn more. I’d love to address your questions and hear more about you in a free and confidential consultation. Let’s connect soon.