Trauma-Informed Therapy

“A trauma-informed approach seeks an awareness of the widespread impact of trauma on life experience and relationships. It recognizes trauma’s role in the outlook, emotions, and behavior of a person with a trauma history. A trauma-informed approach also accepts that trauma’s impact is far more prevalent than most people realize. “ There is an emphasis on establishing a felt sense of safety, grounding, resourcing, self-compassion, and re-building trust and agency.”

Understanding Trauma

Most people think of trauma as something that happens to someone else – a one-time event that is catastrophic and overwhelming. But trauma can be much more than that. It can be anything that threatens our sense of safety and wellbeing, including:

-Physical or sexual abuse
-Domestic violence
-War or natural disasters
-A car accident or other traumatic event

Trauma doesn’t just happen to adults. Children can also experience trauma, especially if they witness violence or are the victims of abuse. And the effects of trauma can last a lifetime.

Who Is Trauma Informed Therapy For

Trauma-informed therapy is for anyone who has experienced a traumatic event. It can be helpful even if the event happened long ago. Trauma-informed therapy can also be helpful for people who have multiple traumatic experiences.

Why Is Trauma-Informed Therapy Important?

Trauma-informed therapy is important because it can help people heal from the effects of trauma. Trauma can cause long-term problems with mental and physical health, relationships, and work. But with therapy, people can learn to cope with the aftermath of trauma and lead healthy, productive lives.

What Happens in Trauma-Informed Therapy?

Trauma-informed therapy is a type of therapy that is based on the understanding that trauma can have a lasting impact on people’s lives. In therapy, people will work with a therapist to address the effects of trauma.

Therapy can take many different forms, but it often includes talk therapy, where people can share their experiences and feelings in a safe environment. Therapy can also include other activities, such as art or music therapy, where people can express themselves in creative ways.

What Are the Benefits of Trauma-Informed Therapy?

There are many benefits of trauma-informed therapy, including:

– improved mental and physical health
– stronger relationships
– better work performance
– increased self-esteem
– a greater sense of control over one’s life.

What are the characteristics of trauma-informed therapy?

– A focus on safety: The first step in trauma-informed therapy is to help the person feel safe. This may involve creating a safe space in the therapy room, using calming techniques, and establishing boundaries.

– Trustworthiness and transparency: In order to build trust, the therapist must be transparent about their qualifications, experience, and what to expect from therapy.

– Empowerment and choice: The person must feel like they have a say in their treatment and that they are in control of their healing process.

– Collaboration and team approach: Trauma-informed therapy is often done with a team of professionals, including psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors. This team approach ensures that all of the person’s needs are met.

– Respect for cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity: Trauma-informed therapy must be respectful of the person’s culture, race, and ethnicity. This includes understanding and valuing the person’s cultural beliefs and practices.

– Ongoing assessment: The therapist will continuously assess the person’s progress in therapy and make adjustments as needed.