How can you use trauma-informed care for better health outcomes?

Trauma-informed care is a way of providing services that recognizes the impact of trauma on people's lives and health. It also empowers them to heal and recover from their experiences. As a peer support worker, you can use trauma-informed care to help your clients achieve better health outcomes. Here are some tips on how to do that.

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Selected by the community from 3 contributions. Learn more

1 Understand trauma

Trauma is a complex and ongoing response to stress, violence, abuse, neglect, or other adverse situations which can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, culture, or background. It can impair a person's physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being in various ways. Common signs of trauma may include flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories; anxiety, depression, or mood swings; difficulty trusting or connecting with others; low self-esteem, guilt, or shame; substance use, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts; and chronic pain, illness, or fatigue.

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Teri Pickens

Mental Health Visionary, Life Coach, Speaker, Author, Blogger
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One of the most misunderstood aspect of trauma is when it occurs. Yes, as an adult a particular situation can leave behind a diagnosis of PTSD. However, how many of you know that the complexity of trauma is that it is mainly a childhood phenomena? Why? as adults, the facility of "reasoning" allows us to choose or soften the event. Children, before reasoning are in receiving mode only so they absorb more trauma because the adults and the environment has the power to "write" the program that goes into a child's mind and the child has no say. Because there is no reasoning present, most of what goes in goes directly to the Sympathetic nervous system.

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Ann Freeman

Freelance Presenter. Based in Kent. U.K. Specialise Special Educational Needs A.D.H.D. and other additional needs.
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If one was to ask a percentage of the public what does do they understand by the word trauma, I think that a high percentage would associate it with an injury or wound, not a mental health trauma. People need to be reminded that there is trauma that can impact on a persons mental health, be it chronic or acute, just as there is acute and chronic ill health. Yes 0-5yrs trauma during a child's crucial early cognitive development can impact as chronic mental health trauma, which evolves as the child grows up. Be it that a child has been in a family and witnessed adverse events or the child has had something adverse happened to them. It is about looking at the big picture.

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2 Respect choice

Respecting the choice and autonomy of those you are supporting is a key principle of trauma-informed care. Trauma can make people feel powerless, helpless, or trapped, so it is important to offer them options, information, and resources that enable them to make their own decisions. To respect choice, you should ask for consent before touching, sharing, or disclosing anything. Additionally, use open-ended questions and active listening to understand their needs and preferences. Involve them in setting goals, plans, and boundaries, and encourage them to express their feelings, opinions, and feedback. Furthermore, support them to access other services or supports that they may need or want.

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3 Build trust

Building trust and rapport with the person you are supporting is an essential element of trauma-informed care. Trauma can make people feel isolated, fearful, or betrayed, so it's important to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment that encourages trust and connection. To do this, you should be consistent, reliable, and honest in your interactions; show empathy, compassion, and respect for their experiences and perspectives; validate their strengths, skills, and coping strategies; acknowledge and apologize for any mistakes or misunderstandings; and maintain confidentiality and privacy of their information and stories.

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Alison Howarth

Workplace Mental Heath Researcher, Author, Trainer and International Speaker, Domestic and Family Violence Expert, Clinical Board Member.
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When we hold training seminars for workers who are supporting vulnerable people impacted by trauma, the emphasis is always on the pillars of trauma-informed care. The context of being globally trauma-informed ensures that clients as well as workers are held in a safe, collaborative space, where their experiences are validated, and the stigma of trauma impact (both direct and vicarious) is reduced. Safety, collaboration, trustworthiness, transparency and choice, are all ideals that employers and workers should strive for in their work. And underpinning these is an essential element of respect for diversity and experience. These core pillars will help reduce the risk of re-traumatisation, and promote growth.

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4 Promote recovery

The ultimate goal of trauma-informed care is to promote recovery and well-being for the person you are supporting. Trauma can be incredibly debilitating, making people feel hopeless and stuck. However, it is possible to inspire hope, resilience, and growth in their journey. You can share your own lived experience of trauma and recovery, if appropriate and comfortable. Additionally, it's important to highlight their successes, achievements, and progress. Celebrate their diversity, identity, and culture while motivating them to pursue their interests, hobbies, and passions. Referring them to peer support groups and networks can also offer mutual support and solidarity. Trauma-informed care is not only a set of practices but also a mindset and philosophy that requires you to be aware, sensitive, and responsive to the needs and experiences of the people you are supporting. By using trauma-informed care, you can make a positive difference in their health outcomes and quality of life.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you use trauma-informed care for better health outcomes?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Understand trauma

2 Respect choice

3 Build trust

4 Promote recovery

5 Here’s what else to consider

Peer Support

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How can you use trauma-informed care for better health outcomes?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Understand trauma

2 Respect choice

3 Build trust

4 Promote recovery

5 Here’s what else to consider

Peer Support

Rate this article

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