Understanding Trauma-Informed Practice
As a trauma therapist, I often come across clients/ other professionals who are confused with specific terms, one in particular being trauma-informed practice. Today, I want to shed some light on how a trauma-informed therapist differs from being a trauma therapist.
What is Trauma-Informed Practice?
Trauma-informed practice is an approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma on individuals and considers this in the way care is provided. It emphasizes understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma. The key principles include:
- Safety: Ensuring that clients feel physically and emotionally safe during their interactions.
- Trustworthiness and Transparency: Building trust through clear communication and maintaining professional boundaries.
- Peer Support: Valuing and incorporating the experiences of individuals with lived experiences of trauma.
- Collaboration and Empowerment: Actively involving clients in their healing process to foster a sense of control and empowerment.
- Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues: Recognizing and addressing the cultural context of trauma, including historical trauma and systemic oppression.
Trauma-Informed Therapist vs. Trauma Therapist
While both trauma-informed therapists and trauma therapists work with individuals who have experienced trauma, the focus and approach can differ:
- A trauma therapist typically specializes in treating trauma using specific therapeutic modalities and techniques designed to address trauma’s psychological impact. They often use targeted interventions to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences.
- A trauma-informed therapist, on the other hand, incorporates an understanding of trauma into their practice. This approach creates an overall environment that acknowledges trauma’s impact on clients.
In summary, both therapist use trauma-informed practice which is essential for ensuring that individuals feel respected and understood in their healing journey. A trauma therapist is trained to treat the trauma and specializes in understanding the overall impact of trauma. By fostering a supportive and safe environment, we can help them navigate their trauma and empower them toward recovery.
#MentalHealthAwareness#HealingJourney#TraumaTherapy<#MentalHealthMatters
