Trauma-Informed Care

As a society, we are becoming increasingly aware of the impact of trauma on individuals and communities.

Trauma can arise from a wide range of experiences, including abuse, neglect, violence, accidents, natural disasters, and more. For people in the healing professions, including healthcare providers, therapists, counselors, and social workers, it is essential to have a deep understanding of trauma and its effects on patients and clients.

Trauma-sensitive care is an approach that recognizes the prevalence and impact of trauma and seeks to create an environment that promotes healing and safety. Trauma-sensitive care is not just about being aware of trauma; it also involves providing care that is supportive, compassionate, and respectful of the patient’s experiences and needs.

Here are some reasons why folks in the healing professions should have trauma sensitivity training:

1. Trauma is common: According to the National Council for Behavioral Health, 70% of adults in the United States have experienced some form of trauma in their lifetime. For people in the healing professions, it is likely that many of their patients or clients have experienced trauma. By having trauma sensitivity training, professionals can better understand the impact of trauma on patients and provide appropriate care.
2. Trauma can impact physical and mental health: Trauma can have significant impacts on physical and mental health. It can increase the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Trauma can also lead to mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By understanding the impact of trauma on health, healthcare providers can better support patients and provide appropriate care.
3. Trauma can impact trust: Patients who have experienced trauma may have difficulty trusting healthcare providers. They may feel anxious or fearful about medical procedures or may avoid seeking medical care altogether. By having trauma sensitivity training, healthcare providers can create a safe and supportive environment that helps patients feel more comfortable and trusting.
4. Trauma sensitivity training can improve patient outcomes: Research shows that trauma-sensitive care can improve patient outcomes. Patients who receive trauma-sensitive care are more likely to stay engaged in treatment, have better physical and mental health outcomes, and report feeling more satisfied with their care.

There are other reasons as well…

1. Trauma is pervasive: Trauma is a common experience for many people, and it can have a significant impact on their mental health. Mental health professionals need to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma, and understand how to provide appropriate treatment.
2. Trauma can be complex: Trauma is not always straightforward, and it can manifest in a variety of ways. Trauma sensitivity training can help mental health professionals to develop a nuanced understanding of trauma, and to be better equipped to help their clients.
3. Trauma can be retraumatizing: Mental health professionals who are not trained in trauma sensitivity may inadvertently retraumatize their clients by using language or techniques that are insensitive to their experiences. Trauma sensitivity training can help professionals to avoid this.
4. Trauma sensitivity is ethical: Providing trauma-informed care is not only beneficial to clients, but it is also an ethical imperative for mental health professionals. Trauma sensitivity training can help professionals to uphold the highest ethical standards in their work.
5. Trauma sensitivity is effective: Research has shown that trauma-informed care can be more effective than traditional approaches for clients who have experienced trauma. By seeking trauma sensitivity training, mental health professionals can improve their ability to help clients heal and recover.

In conclusion, having trauma sensitivity training is essential for folks in the healing professions. It helps healthcare providers understand the impact of trauma on patients, provides appropriate care, creates a safe and supportive environment, and improves patient outcomes. 

For these reasons and more, I am focusing my Montclair AND Kripalu trauma-informed training on folks in the healing professions including mental health professionals, therapists, psychologists, and others. It is urgent that we are able to heal our own trauma and avoid retraumatizing ourselves and those we seek to help. Learn more about these and my other trainings HERE.