What is Trauma-Informed Practice?
- A framework for working with clients that is focused on realizing the widespread impact of trauma; recognizing the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others; responding by fully integrating trauma knowledge into policies, procedures, and practices; and actively resisting re-traumatization (SAMHSA Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach, 2014)
- Trauma-informed care recognizes and responds to the signs, symptoms, and risks of trauma to better support clients who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress (ACES AWARE)
Principles of Trauma-Informed Care (SAMHSA Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach, 2014)
- Safety—staff and clients feel physically and psychologically safe
- Trustworthiness & Transparency—organizational operations and decisions are conducted with transparency with the goal of building and maintaining trust between clients and staff
- Peer Support—using mutual self-help to establish safety and hope while building trust, collaboration, and utilizing stories and lived experiences to promote healing and recovery
- Collaboration & Mutuality—leveling the power differences between staff and clients demonstrating that healing happens through meaningful sharing of power and decision-making
- Empowerment—individuals’ strengths and experiences are recognized and built upon; staff and clients are supported in cultivating self-advocacy skills
- Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues—actively moving past cultural stereotypes and addresses implicit biases; incorporates policies, protocols, and processed that are responsive to cultural, racial, and ethnic needs of clients; recognizes and addresses historical trauma
