This is a very brief introduction/ overview aimed at people working in support services.
Trauma informed has become a bit of a buzz word and sometimes misunderstood what it means or involves. It is very heavily researched and evidence based – this is not a ‘be nice to each other’ thing, or just what we do for certain people – it is for everyone and is it’s based on facts and real life.
Becoming TI (& it is an ongoing journey) involves translating the theory to real life. We know unresolved childhood trauma is more common, and hidden, than we think (>50% in the UK) & has a huge impact on how children develop physically and emotionally, which can then impacts their life as an adult. TI involves understanding the different forms of trauma, the different ways it can damage & how to help. The coping mechanisms & beliefs children had to adopt in order to survive are often what society then criticizes them for as adults, & ignores the physical effects on the brain caused by trauma.
There is no standard definition of what TI is but most people use the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) definition:
- Realization: Recognize the prevalence and impact of trauma. Understand that trauma can have long-lasting effects on individuals and that it may manifest in various ways, both overtly and subtly.
- Recognition: Identify the signs and symptoms of trauma. Be aware of the potential behavioral, emotional, and physical indicators of trauma in individuals, as they may present differently in different people.
- Response: Respond in a compassionate and supportive manner. Create a safe and non-judgmental environment where individuals feel heard, validated, and understood. Respond to their needs with empathy and respect.
- Resist re-traumatization: Ensure that practices and policies are in place to prevent re-traumatization. Create trauma-informed systems that prioritize safety, autonomy, and the well-being of individuals. Foster an environment that promotes trust, collaboration, and respectful communication.
‘I believe that the most fundamental question of our time is whether we can effectively create cultures that address and prevent the relentless stresses of poverty and discrimination; the toxic stress of childhood adversity; and the traumatic stress resulting from all forms of interpersonal violence, including warfare.
As a society, we have a moral responsibility to do something with the knowledge we now have that most of the suffering brought about in the world today is preventable.‘
Advancing a national cradle-to-grave-to-cradle public health agenda (sandrabloom.com)
Our definition of trauma is being updated as we learn more and understand what factors disrupt the healthy development of a child; these include societal factors like discrimination, poverty and inequalities, as well as individual experiences. We also know what helps counterbalance the impact of trauma for a child and that having at least one safe adult to support them minimises the damage caused; unfortunately most adults we see in services had no-one to support them, or spoke about it and were dismissed or not believed. Having a safe adult later in life is the most effective way to help someone recover.
There are other protective factors too – including building resilient communities and being involved in sport.
For services becoming TI it involves looking at all areas of your service form the perspective of someone who has experienced trauma – does it help or hinder their recovery? And is there something we have not considered that may work better. It involves the whole Organisation, it is not just what we do to certain people, and in fact it starts with ourselves – understanding how our stress levels and behaviour impact on others. That is why I have incorporated evidence around what works best in business, and in helping staff be their best without burnout. It makes good business sense as well as being the most humane way to be.
You can learn more here:
Nadine Burke Harris: How childhood trauma affects health across a lifetime | TED Talk
WHO & PH Wales report on Tackling Adverse Childhood Experiences 2023-01-state-of-the-art-report-eng.pdf (ljmu.ac.uk)
Healing Your Childhood Trauma | The Oprah Podcast (with Dr Bruce Perry)
Childhood Trauma and the Brain 5min video https://youtube.com/watch?v=EFrfBJrVLbE&feature=shares