Recognising World Trauma Day: Why Trauma-Informed therapy Matters
The 19th of October marked World Trauma Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the widespread impact of trauma and the importance of trauma-sensitive approaches in all areas of life, particularly in mental health care. As the term ‘trauma-informed’ becomes increasingly prominent in the therapeutic world, it's crucial to pause and ask: what exactly is trauma, and what does it mean to be trauma-informed?
what is a Trauma-informed approach?
Trauma can be understood as any deeply distressing event or series of events that overwhelms our capacity to emotionally digest it and disrupts our sense of safety. This can range from physical, sexual or emotional abuse to being in an accident, witnessing the death of a loved one, war, natural disasters, or other significant losses. The ripple effects of trauma are profound, often affecting our emotional, psychological, and physical well-being long after the traumatic event has passed.
In therapy, a trauma-informed approach is not just about treating the symptoms of trauma—it’s about ensuring that clients feel safe, understood, and supported throughout their healing process. This approach emphasises the importance of recognising the pervasive effects of trauma in several areas of a client’s life, while actively avoiding practices that could re-traumatise them. Finally, it is an approach that aims to offer support to clients far beyond the immediate aftermath of trauma. Also, it is about facilitating recovery, but also about strengthening a client’s sense of agency and control. As a therapist, incorporating trauma-informed principles means tailoring therapy to meet the unique needs of each client, and acknowledging the deep connections between trauma, mental health, and overall well-being.
trauma-informed approaches in therapy
Below, I’ll explore the six core principles of trauma-informed care and how I integrate them into my therapeutic practice.
1. Safety
Creating a sense of safety is paramount in trauma work. Trauma often undermines a person's ability to feel safe, whether it's within themselves, in relationships, or in the world at large. In my practice, I prioritise both physical and emotional safety by maintaining confidentiality, fostering a trusting relationship, and encouraging clients to voice their needs. I strive to create a judgment-free environment where clients feel secure and free from harm.
2. Trustworthiness and Transparency
Building trust is essential, particularly for clients who have experienced relational trauma (trauma that occurs within the context of a relationship). I am transparent about how sessions are structured, what clients can expect, and how their information will be handled. This openness, coupled with showing up authentically in the therapy room, helps clients feel heard, seen, and validated.
3. Choice
Trauma can often rob individuals of their sense of agency. I work with clients to restore their sense of control by offering choices throughout the therapeutic process. Clients decide which therapeutic goals to focus on and are empowered to set the pace for their healing journey.
4. Collaboration
For the same reasons as above, empowering clients to take an active role in their healing process is essential. My therapeutic approach is collaborative in setting therapeutic goals and reviewing progress, recognising my clients’ strengths, and validating their experiences. This partnership fosters autonomy and promotes a sense of control over their healing journey.
Healing from trauma is a collaborative process. I view the relationship between myself and my clients as one of partnership and shared decision-making.
5. Empowerment
Empowering clients is at the heart of trauma-informed care. In my practice, I aim to nurture clients' strengths by offering choices, using psychoeducation to help clients understand the impacts of trauma, and normalising their experiences and ways they have coped so far. This helps reduce feelings of shame and isolation, allowing clients to feel more in control of their healing process.
6. Cultural Consideration
Understanding trauma through a cultural lens is essential. Trauma-informed practice recognises that trauma is influenced by cultural, historical, and gender factors. In my work, I strive to create a culturally sensitive environment by learning about and respecting the diverse backgrounds of clients and addressing the ways in which trauma manifests across different groups. This includes understanding how intersecting identities—such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status—affect access to support and how trauma may be experienced differently.
Conclusion
These principles work together to create an environment of understanding, healing, and empowerment for those who have experienced trauma. Connection is the antidote to trauma. Since trauma often originates in relationships, particularly in childhood, it deeply impacts how we relate to others and shapes our sense of safety. This can affect our ability to form healthy attachments and trust. Healing from trauma requires more than isolation—it thrives in the presence of new, reparative relationships, such as the one we will build together in therapy. By creating experiences where we feel attuned to, emotionally supported and contained, and truly seen and validated, we can begin to rewire those old trauma imprints. It’s through meaningful and safe connections, healthy communication and boundaries that we rebuild a sense of safety within ourselves and with others.
If you're struggling with the effects of trauma, I’m here to help. As a trauma-informed therapist, I offer a safe and supportive space to explore these experiences, heal from past wounds, and develop the tools needed to reclaim your sense of agency and well-being. Whether you're seeking support with trauma, mental health, self-compassion, or self-care, please don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can work towards fostering resilience and healing in a way that feels right for you.
