Being Trauma-Aware – A Little Lesson by Heidi Fisher You may have heard of the term being trauma aware.
This also goes under a variety of names.
It goes under trauma aware,
Informed,
Or sensitive.
While there may be some nuances,
As a whole they mean the same thing.
It's important to be aware of being trauma aware because doing so will significantly improve relationships,
Treatment outcomes,
General health,
And much more.
The absolute core of being trauma aware is a recognition of how trauma impacts people,
And a willingness to modify behavior,
Systems,
And so on,
So that they will not be triggering or an additional barrier.
While this may go against the status quo,
The majority of the suggestions are in fact not particularly burdensome.
An additional note is that individuals do not need to disclose that they've experienced trauma,
Or share details.
This can be a way of being with all people.
A very incomplete list of ways trauma may impact people.
They may have panic attacks,
Anxiety,
Sleep issues,
Depression,
PTSD,
And other mental illnesses including substance use.
They may experience avoidance.
They may have dissociation,
Distrust.
There may be disorganization,
Hypervigilance,
Physical health concerns,
Strong reactions,
Dysregulation,
An inability or a dislike of directions,
Difficulty with decision making,
Shutting down emotionally or becoming unable to respond,
Triggers,
Low self-esteem,
Problems with relationships,
Fear of authority figures or specific types of people,
Thoughts or actions of self-harm,
Difficulty with asking for or accepting help,
Financial difficulties,
Trouble with work,
Or being unhoused.
And there are more.
Here's a few tips for professionals.
Invite people to participate.
Do not demand.
Be collaborative.
Create partnership and avoid being authoritarian.
Welcome feedback and questions.
Avoid defensiveness and show kind curiosity.
Ask consent.
Provide as much information as requested.
Do not deny or dismiss people's experiences.
Have flexible cancellation policies.
Be consistent.
Ensure all staff are trained.
Some other supports to attend alongside.
Provide information prior to a first appointment on what to expect.
Be intentional with your paperwork and signage.
Cultivate a non-judgmental attitude.
Outright ask people what you can do to ensure they are feeling comfortable and safe,
And likewise ask if there's anything you should avoid.
You're definitely going to want to be anti-racist,
2S LGBT+,
Friendly,
A feminist,
And so on.
Attend trauma-aware trainings.
Respect diversity,
Autonomy,
And personalities.
Admit to and apologize for making mistakes.
And that is not an exhaustive list.
Stuff that anyone can do includes doing your best to avoid triggers when people have shared them with you.
Be trustworthy and don't gossip.
Be supportive in the ways that you can.
Be understanding of cancelled plans and isolation periods.
Adjust activities.
Do one-on-one hangouts.
Do errands together,
And so on.
Do your own therapy and healing.
Ask folks what they need,
Or offer something specific.
And that,
My friends,
In a quick little nutshell,
Is what being trauma-aware is all about.
I hope that was helpful,
And that you learned something.
Have a great day.
