Trauma Informed Care
“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.”
– Bessel van der Kolk
– Bessel van der Kolk
What is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-informed care is an approach to therapy that acknowledges the widespread impact of trauma on an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
This therapeutic stance recognizes that trauma experiences shape a person’s perception of safety, trust, and relationships. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the signs and symptoms of trauma, integrating this awareness into all aspects of practice and interaction. By prioritizing the person’s strengths and needs, trauma-informed care fosters a healing relationship that empowers individuals to navigate their recovery journey with dignity and respect.
How can Trauma-Informed Care help?
Trauma-informed care addresses a wide range of mental health issues by recognizing the central role that trauma can play in shaping an individual’s mental health and behavior.
This approach acknowledges that trauma, whether from childhood experiences, violence, loss, or other deeply distressing events, can underlie conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and even substance abuse. In trauma-informed care, the focus is not just on treating symptoms but on understanding and healing the trauma that contributes to these symptoms.
By viewing an individual’s struggles through a trauma-informed lens, therapists can more accurately identify the root causes of mental health challenges and tailor their interventions to address these underlying issues.