by Allyson England Drake, M.Ed., FT
Trauma-informed care is a caregiving approach that recognizes the widespread occurrence and impact of trauma on individuals’ lives. It understands that many people have gone through traumatic experiences that can profoundly influence their physical and mental well-being. This approach aims to foster safe, supportive, and compassionate environments where individuals can heal and recover.
In utilizing a trauma informed care practice, we ask “What happened to you?” instead of “What is wrong with you?”. As professionals, we should look at an individual’s past experiences and how those experiences affect them. A healthcare provider asking a patient “What happened to you?” instead of “What’s wrong with you?” when taking a medical history reflects a focus on understanding the potential effects of past trauma rather than just diagnosing symptoms. This approach is intended to create a safe, non-judgmental space where the patient can share their experiences without fear of being re-traumatized.
Key components of trauma-informed care include:
- Safety and security – the individual feels safe physically and emotionally, the environment is calm and sensory friendly
- Trustworthiness – building trust through open and honest dialogue, provider engages in active listening
- Peer support – encouraging connections with others who have dealt with similar experiences
- Collaboration and mutuality – encouraging a partnership between provider and patient/client, decisions are not unilaterally made by provider but mutually decided together
- Empowerment – giving the patient/client “voice and choice” in the decision-making process, patient/client is given choices
- Cultural and gender issues – practitioner should consider how culture and gender influence the client/patient and their experiences with traumatic events
As practitioners, we have a responsibility to care for our patients/clients in the best possible way. When someone comes into our offices, we cannot just look at one piece of the puzzle – their bereavement experience, their medical condition, or the symptoms they are experiencing. An individual’s life experiences, both positive and negative, make them who they are and affect how they feel both mentally and physically. Taking time to ask about any traumatic life experiences helps us provide better comprehensive care. It is important to remember the four R’s of trauma-informed care:
- Realize the widespread effects of trauma and understand the possible pathways to healing
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma in all we serve
- Respond by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into polices and procedures, and practices
- Resist re-traumatization of individuals by approaching them in a safe, secure, and trustworthy manner
Additional information and trainings about trauma-informed care can be found here:
Full Circle Grief Center 