The term “Trauma Informed Care” has been a focus for the mental health industry, and is slowly making its’ way into the larger health care & wellness industries. I’ve heard many interpretations of what Trauma Informed Care means, to the point of being told specific yoga poses are “Trauma Informed” or not, or hiding staff visibility behind foliage in order to “protect the client”. I’m not a Trauma Informed expert; but I do have an opinion after treating people who have been affected by trauma for over 20 years.
Trauma Informed Care resembles Universal Precautions in the health care world. It’s assuming everyone may have a history of trauma, and taking special care in our actions and words to exhibit respect and consistency towards the people we are serving. Trauma Informed Care is a concept, not a specific behavior, or yoga pose.
Trauma experiences are unique; and people are unique in how they experience and metabolize trauma. What may trigger a traumatic memory in one person, may not be the same trigger in a different person. I’ve had clients where I needed to lead the way to my office, and others who needed to walk through the door first in order to empower the client to be in charge of their surroundings.
So how do we practice Trauma Informed Care when trauma is so unique to the individual? By being reliable, consistent, honest, and communicating what we do, and why we do it. Never assume. Instead, ask the person you are working with as to what they need. Tell the person what you are doing, why you are doing it. Ask the person if they prefer leading or following you to the office, or the exercise machine. If a health procedure is required, inform the person the steps of the procedure, and invite them to take create ways to comfort or ground themselves. Act within the bounds of their cultural understanding. If you don’t know their culture, ask about it. Be honest, be authentic, and be willing to admit when you’ve made a mistake. In other words, you are not expected to be perfect, only willing to learn. It’s amazing as to the results you will experience with the people you serve.
Example: I had a personal trainer who would tell me which machine we were using, why we were using it, and how to activate different and needed parts of my body. He would point to the machine and tell me that was the destination to the next exercise. If I had a history of trauma, being informed of the upcoming actions of my trainer would lessen my anxiety, and empower me with what was coming next. In other words: be predictable.
SUMMARY POINTS:
- Do what you say, and say what you do.
- Explain your procedures, don’t assume your client knows.
- Speak clearly, use everyday language. Drop the professional jargon whenever possible.
- Show up on time, end on time, follow-up when you agree to.
- If you don’t know, ask. “Is this comfortable? “Do you wish to face the door?”
- Ask before touching the person.
- Be consistent in your behavior and demeanor.
- When culturally appropriate, make eye contact, smile, be welcoming.
- Most of all, be honest. When you don’t know something, admit it, and then gain the needed information.
We are all human beings, perfection is not a requirement in order to be an effective healer.
If you want additional information, SAMHSA has an excellent website on Trauma Informed Care. You can find it at: http://www.samhsa.gov/nctic/trauma-interventions.