What Does it Mean to Receive Trauma-Informed Care?

A person who experiences trauma has a hard time getting the help needed due to the alteration of their ability to recover from the event. Trauma is not the same for all people, so there is no one way to approach the healing process. Receiving safe healthcare for trauma starts with the ability of the caregiver to understand that trauma can impact a person’s ability to engage in treatment. This is the basis of trauma-informed care.

What is trauma-informed care?

Trauma-informed care is the practice of universal precautions for trauma. Just like the universal precautions for pathogens, trauma-informed care is a way to implement policies that will prevent the possibility of re-traumatization for some individuals. This type of care will promote an awareness of having a safe environment for those who struggle with trauma-induced health issues. Trauma-informed care focuses on reducing further harm and opens the door to healing.

A trauma-informed approach adopts the thought process of having a complete picture of the person’s life to provide comprehensive and effective treatment. This practice will lead to an improvement in individual engagement. When the individual engages in treatment there is a higher likelihood of a positive outcome. This can also help reduce the cost of gaining effective health care.

He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wing you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. – Psalm 91:4-6, NIV

Why is trauma-care important?

When it comes to understanding the effect of trauma, many people cannot fathom why some individuals have reacted in specific ways to a traumatic event. The common thought is that most reactions to trauma are normal reactions to an abnormal event. To prevent further harm, healthcare providers need to understand that there is a risk of re-traumatization if there are no precautionary procedures in place.

Prevention of re-traumatization can be an important component of breaking the cycle of violence. Thorough trauma-informed care indicates that healthcare is given to the whole person by taking into consideration the possibility of trauma. This will help the individual engage in treatment and receive the best care. This approach allows caregivers to gain an understanding as to why the individual responded to trauma in a certain way.

Core principles

When a healthcare facility decides to incorporate trauma-informed care precautions into its strategies for treatment, it will need to understand the six core principles of this type of care:

Safety: Ensure the physical and emotional safety of the individual as well as the caregiver. This is done by creating a warm and welcoming environment that will portray acceptance.

Trustworthiness: Ensure the facility and caregivers are to be trusted through the communication of expectations and boundaries. Providing information about the transitions or procedures will increase the trust between the caregiver and the individual.

Empowerment and choice: This principle addresses the ability of the individual to maintain autonomy in their choices of treatment. Providing the options available regarding their treatment and person is the main aspect of this principle.

Collaboration and coordination: The thought behind this principle is that a collaboration between the facility staff and the individual will allow for less risk of re-traumatization. The inclusion of the individual’s ideas and perspective can reassure them that they are an important part of their treatment.

Peer support: When individuals realize others have experienced the same situation, they are more likely to engage in the treatment. This is also effective in reducing the risk of re-traumatization.

Humility and responsiveness: The need to be accepted regardless of past trauma is important to those who struggle with understanding how to interact with others. It is also important to take into consideration the cultural differences that may have an impact on the individual’s response to trauma.

What are the strategies used in trauma-informed care?

Knowing the value of trauma-informed care is the first step in treating individuals with past trauma. The next area of care involves learning the following strategies to help care for these individuals.

• It is common for individuals who have past trauma to portray signs. There are nonverbal clues that can help identify the need to use the precautions of trauma-informed care. One of these precautions is to allow the individual to discuss the trauma on their own terms.
• Letting the individual know that they are in control of their body, and they have the right to say no is part of letting the individual know they are in a safe environment when it comes to past trauma. Reassurance of a safe space will reduce the likelihood of re-traumatization.
• An integral part of trauma-informed care is to allow the individual to be informed about the procedure and how it will be done, how the procedure will affect them, and how to self-care after the procedure.
• Working with the individual can create an environment that allows them to feel in control of their care. For example, asking the person before touching them. Using encouraging and clear communication can help reduce the tension and risk of re-traumatization.
• It was mentioned in the previous strategy to use communication that will encourage a connection with the individual. It is important to consider the value of spending extra time ensuring that the individual understands the care and any instructions they need to follow afterward.
• Above all an important strategy of trauma-informed care is to respect the boundaries and privacy of the individual. This will allow the individual to maintain autonomy throughout treatment.

Approach techniques

As a healthcare professional, it is wise to be able to approach an individual with past trauma in a way that will help them feel safe. Without the sense of safety, the person may seem withdrawn from treatment which can make the process difficult for the caregiver and the individual.

Here are four avenues to consider when approaching an individual who may have past trauma:

• Realizing the impact of trauma and understanding how to help with recovery.
• Recognition of the signs and symptoms of trauma in the individual, family members, or others involved.
• Responding following the integrated policies and procedures for trauma-informed care.
• Resisting any type of interaction that may result in re-traumatization.

What are the benefits of trauma-informed care?

Trauma-informed care can offer benefits not only to the individual but to professionals and family members as well. The most important benefit is that the individual is allowed to maintain self-awareness and autonomy regarding the choices they make in the treatment process.

Among the benefits is the potential for improvement in long-term health. The more exposure to trauma the higher risk there is of chronic illness. Once self-esteem has been damaged it can affect the coping skills of issues with physical and mental health.

Trauma-informed care can play a role in how the individual will continue to approach health care. It may also impact changes the individual may make concerning the thought process about past trauma, future healing, and self-awareness. This will help reestablish the truth about the trauma and the potentially wrong beliefs that have developed due to the event.

The reduction of nightmares can play a role in the overall health of the individual. Rest is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and when sleep is interrupted it can lead to other health concerns. This can also be related to anxiety and depression. Through trauma-informed care, an individual will gain the understanding that there is help available and that they are not alone.

Next steps

Understanding the importance of trauma-informed care will help any facility provide a safe environment for those who struggle with past trauma. When a person feels safe, they are more likely to engage in the treatment plan and gain a positive outlook about health care and how it will positively impact their life.

If you or a loved one has concerns with healthcare and past trauma, contact one of the Christian counselors at our location for more information. Choosing a facility that integrates trauma-informed care into their practice is vital.

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. – Matthew 11:28-30, NIV