Academically reviewed by Asha Sutton, PhD, Department Chair, Marriage and Family Sciences
Trauma informed care (TIC) is not just a breakthrough, but a transformative force in healthcare, education and social services. It focuses on understanding and addressing the deep impact that trauma has on people and communities, ensuring support is compassionate and effective. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), TIC recognizes that trauma can have a lasting impact on a person’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
By embracing trauma informed care principles, professionals can create environments that not only promote recovery and strength but also inspire change, ensuring that services are provided in a way that is sensitive to the needs of those who have experienced trauma.
Table of Contents
- What is Trauma-Informed Care and Practice?
- 4 R’s of a Trauma-Informed Approach
- 6 Principles of Trauma-Informed Care
- Benefits of a Trauma-Informed Approach
- Embracing a Trauma-Informed Approach
What is Trauma-Informed Care and Practice?
Trauma-informed care entails a comprehensive understanding, recognition, and response to the effects of all trauma types. It emphasizes the importance of creating caring, nurturing environments for both service providers and care recipients. Trauma-informed practice involves integrating this awareness into every aspect of service delivery, from policy and procedure to direct interaction with clients and patients. The overall goal of TIC is to help people develop healthy coping skills in response to traumatic events that have occurred in their lives.
What is Trauma? Who is Affected?
The APA defines trauma as “an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, crime, natural disaster, physical or emotional abuse, neglect, experiencing or witnessing violence, death of a loved one, war, and more.” Shock and denial are often typical Immediately following a traumatic event. Sometimes, longer-term reactions can include unpredictable emotions, strained relationships, and even some physical symptoms like nausea and headaches.
Trauma can show up in many forms, touching people and communities in unique ways. Here are a few common types:
- Individual Trauma: This happens when a person goes through something that is deeply harmful or life-threatening, whether it’s a single event or a series of events.
- Historical Trauma: This type of trauma accumulates over generations, affecting entire groups of people due to massive traumatic experiences shared by the community.
- Cultural Trauma: This occurs when trauma affects a cultural group, often disrupting their practices and identities, impacting the collective well-being of the group.
Trauma can deeply affect both individuals and communities in many ways. On a personal level, trauma can take a heavy toll on physical and mental health, behavior, and how people interact socially. People who have gone through traumatic experiences might struggle with anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse, and other mental health issues. For communities, trauma can lead to more violence, economic hardships, and weakened social connections. It can change how people view themselves and the world, often making them feel afraid, powerless, and distrustful.
Re-traumatization happens when someone is exposed to something that reminds them of past trauma, bringing back the stress and pain they experienced before. This can happen in places that are meant to provide help, like hospitals, schools, or social service agencies – particularly if the environment or interactions unintentionally mimic the original trauma. Preventing re-traumatization is a key part of trauma-informed care, ensuring that support services do not cause additional harm to those who have already been through so much.
What Fields Can Benefit from Trauma-Informed Care and Practice?
Trauma-informed care (TIC) is becoming a game-changer across many fields and industries. Here are some key areas where TIC makes a real difference:
- Healthcare: Doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals can provide more compassionate and effective care by understanding the potential impact of trauma on patients. This approach not only improves patient outcomes but also helps in creating a safer, more trusting clinical environment. For example, a doctor who recognizes the signs of trauma can tailor their communication and treatment methods, reducing anxiety for the patient and fostering a more supportive atmosphere.
- Education: Teachers, school counselors, and administrators can create safer and more supportive learning environments by adopting TIC principles. This strategy supports students who have experienced trauma, helping them feel secure and understood. For instance, a teacher trained in TIC might use specific techniques to de-escalate a distressed student, preventing further emotional harm and promoting a more positive learning experience. This approach also reassures parents and the community, providing them with more confidence in the school’s ability to handle such situations.
- Social Services: Professionals such as Marriage and Family Therapists, Psychologists, Mental Health Counselors, Social Workers, and Case Managers can build trust and rapport with their clients using TIC. This becomes especially significant when supporting vulnerable groups, such as those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, or substance abuse challenges. By applying TIC principles, social workers can create a more empathetic and responsive support system, which can lead to more meaningful and effective interventions. For example, a case manager might develop a tailored care plan that considers a client’s trauma history, helping them navigate their challenges more effectively.
- Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice: Police officers, correctional officers, and court workers benefit from trauma-informed care by improving their interactions with people who have experienced trauma. This approach promotes more compassionate treatment, encourages better cooperation from the public, and can potentially reduce repeat offenses. For example, a police officer trained in TIC might handle a domestic violence situation with greater sensitivity, potentially calming the situation and leading to a more peaceful outcome.
- Human Resources and Workplace Management: HR professionals and managers can improve workplace environments by acknowledging and addressing the effects of trauma. This enhances employee well-being, boosts productivity, and lowers turnover. For instance, an HR manager might introduce policies that offer support for employees dealing with trauma, such as flexible work schedules or access to counseling services. By cultivating a trauma-aware workplace, employers can help employees feel appreciated and supported, which can enhance job satisfaction and performance.
- Community and Non-Profit Organizations: Community leaders and non-profit workers can improve their support services by incorporating TIC principles. This strengthens communities by addressing the root causes of trauma and offering thorough support. For example, a non-profit organization assisting refugees might use TIC to create programs that address the specific challenges faced by this group, such as trauma from displacement and loss. This approach allows them to provide more effective and compassionate support, helping individuals and families rebuild their lives.
- Child Welfare: Professionals in child welfare, such as those in foster care and adoption agencies, can make sure that children who have experienced trauma receive the care and support they need to heal and thrive in more nurturing settings. For example, foster parents trained in TIC might employ specific strategies to help a traumatized child feel safe and secure, which can greatly improve the child’s emotional and behavioral outcomes. By using TIC principles, child welfare professionals can create more supportive and stable environments for children, promoting their long-term well-being.
Implementing trauma-informed care across these fields improves individual outcomes and fosters more compassionate, effective, and sustainable practices in each industry. National University also offers a Master’s in Trauma Informed Systemic Therapy (MA-MFT) that is designed for students that are interested in helping individuals and families cope with the effects of traumatic events. If you’re interested in learning more about this field, National University also offers a Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychology with an emphasis in Trauma and Disaster Relief.
4 R’s of a Trauma-Informed Approach
A trauma-informed approach is built on four key assumptions: realization, recognition, response, and resisting re-traumatization. Outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), these assumptions create the foundation for developing environments that support healing and resilience for people affected by trauma.
Realization
The first step is realizing that trauma affects people in many different ways. It’s about understanding that trauma can impact someone’s physical health, mental health, and overall behavior. Recognizing this helps create an environment that acknowledges the widespread effects of trauma and the need for comprehensive care.
Recognize
Next is recognizing the signs and symptoms of trauma by being aware of the physical, emotional, and behavioral indicators that someone may be experiencing trauma. By recognizing these signs, professionals can provide the right support and interventions, ensuring that everyone receives the care they need.
Respond
Responding to trauma involves integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices. Creating a supportive environment can help people feel safe and respected. It also includes training staff to handle trauma-related issues with sensitivity and care, ensuring that the response to trauma is compassionate and informed.
Resist Re-traumatizing
Resisting re-traumatization is about actively working to avoid situations that might trigger traumatic memories or experiences. It’s important to understand what might cause re-traumatization and to take steps to prevent it. By creating secure, supportive environments, professionals can help people on their healing journey without causing further harm.
6 Principles of Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-informed care is anchored in six fundamental principles designed to foster safe and supportive settings for people affected by trauma. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) summarizes these guidelines to ensure that care is compassionate and effective. Implementing these principles helps create environments that support healing and recovery for people affected by trauma. We can provide compassionate and effective care by prioritizing safety, trust, peer support, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural awareness.
1. Safety
Safety is the foundation of trauma-informed care, involving the creation of physical and emotional environments where people feel protected and supported. It is important to ensure that spaces are free from harm and that staff are trained to foster a sense of safety through their interactions and practices.
2. Trustworthiness & Transparency
Building trust through transparency is important in trauma-informed care, involving open and honest communication and actions. Providing clear and consistent information helps people feel respected and valued, reducing anxiety and fostering a sense of trust.
3. Peer Support
Peer support is a powerful tool in trauma-informed care. It involves connecting people with others who have had similar experiences. This shared understanding can provide comfort, reduce feelings of isolation, and offer practical advice and support.
4. Collaboration
Collaboration emphasizes the importance of working together by involving those affected by trauma in decisions about their care and encouraging teamwork among staff. This approach ensures that care is coordinated and that everyone’s voice is heard and valued.
5. Empowerment and choice
Empowerment and choice are central to trauma-informed care. This approach involves giving people control over their care and respecting their decisions. It helps people regain a sense of control and fosters resilience.
6. Cultural, Historical, and Gender Awareness
Awareness of cultural, historical, and gender-related issues is essential in trauma-informed care, involving understanding and respecting diverse backgrounds and experiences. It requires sensitivity to cultural differences and recognizing the impact of historical and gender-related trauma.
Benefits of a Trauma-Informed Approach
Adopting a trauma-informed approach offers numerous benefits for both service providers and the people they support. By fostering an environment that recognizes and addresses the effects of trauma, organizations can create more effective and compassionate care systems.
Positive Changes in Organizational Culture and Practices
Implementing trauma-informed care can lead to significant positive changes in organizational culture. According to SAMHSA, organizations that adopt this approach often see improvements in staff morale and job satisfaction. When staff members understand the effects of trauma and are trained to respond appropriately, they feel more competent and supported in their roles. This cultural shift can lead to a more cohesive and collaborative work environment, ultimately benefiting everyone involved.
Benefits for Service Providers and Clients
For service providers, adopting a trauma-informed approach means they are better equipped to handle the complexities of their clients’ experiences. This approach helps reduce burnout and secondary traumatic stress among staff by promoting a supportive and understanding workplace. For clients, trauma-informed care means receiving services in a way that acknowledges their trauma history, reduces re-traumatization, and supports their healing journey. Research has shown that clients who receive trauma-informed care report feeling safer and more respected, which can lead to better outcomes and a higher level of engagement with services.
The Role of Continuous Training and Support
Continuous training and support are crucial components of a trauma-informed approach. Regular training ensures that all staff members are up-to-date on the latest practices and understand how to apply trauma-informed principles in their work. Ongoing support, such as supervision and peer support groups, helps staff process their experiences and continue to provide high-quality care. According to the American Psychological Association, ongoing professional development is essential for maintaining a trauma-informed organization and ensuring that staff can effectively support their clients.
Embracing a Trauma-Informed Approach
Trauma-informed care guidelines offer a transformative approach to supporting people who have experienced trauma. By emphasizing safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment, practitioners can create environments that promote healing and adaptability. Applying these principles enhances the level of care and nurtures a more compassionate and empathetic culture.
Whether in healthcare, education, or community services, embracing trauma-informed practices ensures that everyone’s needs are met with sensitivity and respect. As we continue to learn and grow in our understanding of trauma, it is important to blend these ideas into our daily interactions and professional practices to truly make a difference in the lives of those we serve.