Trauma informed practice may sound like a complicated term, but in fact, it’s very simple. It refers to the recognition of the fact that many people have experienced some sort of trauma, and keeping this in mind when carrying out any sort of treatment. This may be useful for therapies such as counselling or mental health support, education, or even in the workplace.
What is Trauma?
Trauma informed practice recognises the fact that a great many of us have experienced adverse events either in childhood or adulthood. This may include major, distressing events such as a serious accident or a violent incident, or it may be something more minor but still impactful, known as a small trauma. The latter may include things like minor school bullying, or parents separating.
How does this Affect Practice?
Anyone who works in a role supporting others can benefit from trauma informed practice training tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/trauma-informed-practice-training/.
Following training, practitioners develop a much deeper understanding of how trauma can affect our feelings and emotions.
To this end, practitioners such as counsellors and teachers can create an environment where clients can feel safe, heard, and respected. Trauma informed practice is largely based on 5 key principles: safety, trust, collaboration, empowerment and choice.
What this means in practice is that it is a partnership between client and practitioner which allows the client to have a say in how their treatment is carried out. In turn, this creates a safe, trusted pathway to healing in a safe, empowering environment.