Principles of a Trauma-Informed Approach

Understanding Trauma-Informed Care

In recent years, the concept of trauma-informed care has gained significant attention. Organizations across various sectors are actively striving to incorporate trauma-informed principles into their services and programs. This approach recognizes the pervasive nature of trauma and its profound impact on individuals’ responses to different situations.

Trauma-informed care is rooted in the understanding that trauma is a common experience with lasting effects. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing that people’s reactions, particularly in vulnerable moments, often stem from their traumatic experiences. As Gabor Maté eloquently puts it, “Trauma is not merely what happened to us but rather what happens inside of us as a result of what happened to us, especially in the absence of an empathetic witness.” For instance, an individual might struggle or react strongly when they feel their autonomy is compromised or their boundaries are violated.

The essence of trauma-informed care lies in acknowledging that protective behaviors are often a response to past trauma. The specifics of a person’s traumatic experiences don’t need to be fully known. Instead, it’s about fostering an environment that understands and supports these responses. Here are three core principles to guide you in adopting a trauma-informed approach:

Awareness of Trauma Prevalence

Educate yourself on how widespread trauma is and the various forms it can take. Recognize that trauma’s impact can be enduring, affecting people long after the initial event. Bessel van der Kolk emphasizes, “Trauma is an event or series of events that overwhelms the central nervous system, altering the way we process and recall memories.”

Be vigilant in identifying signs of trauma, such as the fight, flight, or freeze responses. These survival mechanisms may manifest in those you interact with, whether they are colleagues, clients, or community members.

• Recognizing Trauma Responses

Trauma can influence daily interactions in ways that are not always immediately apparent. Here are examples illustrating the fight, flight, or freeze responses:

• Fight: Jia Yee reacts angrily towards a nurse assisting her, a response linked to her past experiences of physical abuse.

• Flight: Alex runs out of his classroom when asked to read aloud, a reaction stemming from being bullied for his speech impediment.

• Freeze: Syaffiq becomes immobilized when a fire alarm sounds, a response triggered by his recent evacuation experience due to a wildfire.

• Fawn: Allison overly accommodates her boss’s unreasonable demands, a behavior stemming from a childhood of trying to appease a volatile parent.

• Flop: Chandran appears lethargic and unresponsive during a stressful team meeting, which is a reaction linked to a past experience of feeling utterly powerless in a crisis.

 Understanding these reactions as trauma responses rather than problematic behavior can help in providing appropriate support and avoiding misinterpretation.

• Engagement and Support

Avoid actions that could retraumatize individuals. Instead, focus on supporting their healing journey from past traumas. This involves creating environments that are empathetic, non-judgmental, and supportive.

Principles for Trauma-Informed Interaction

Whether or not you are aware of an individual’s trauma history, these principles can help ensure your interactions are trauma-informed:

• Safety

Create environments that feel safe and respectful. Use thoughtful language and body gestures to convey calmness and acceptance, fostering a sense of security.

• Choice

Empower individuals by providing choices whenever possible. This counters the helplessness often associated with trauma, giving people a sense of control over their circumstances.

• Trust

Build trust by being consistent and reliable in your interactions. People affected by trauma are sensitive to cues, so your behavior, both verbal and non-verbal, should be trustworthy.

• Voice

Encourage individuals to express their opinions and ask questions. This helps them feel heard and valued, which can be crucial in their healing process.

• Strengths and Resilience

Focus on recognizing and validating the strengths and resilience of individuals. Understand that behaviors like fight, flight, freeze, fawn, or flop are adaptive responses in certain contexts, and acknowledging this can reinforce their inherent strengths. As Peter Levine states, “Trauma is the body’s inability to cope with overwhelming experiences, resulting in trapped energy in the nervous system. Fear + helplessness = trauma.”

Trauma is not limited to specific experiences or dramatic events; it can arise from a wide range of circumstances, each uniquely affecting individuals. While some people may recognize and understand the profound impact of trauma, others may not fully grasp its significance. It is crucial, however, not to dismiss or minimize the experiences of those affected by trauma. What might seem insignificant to one person can be deeply traumatic to another, influencing their behavior, emotions, and overall well-being.

Adopting a trauma-informed approach means acknowledging and respecting these diverse experiences and reactions. By doing so, we create a more supportive, empathetic, and effective environment for everyone. Understanding that trauma can manifest in various forms helps us to better support those around us, fostering a culture of compassion and healing.