4-minute read

‘Trauma-informed’ is losing its meaning

There is no agreed or standardised definition of what a trauma-informed approach is.

You have probably heard people use terms like trauma-informed care, trauma-informed practice, trauma-informed approaches and trauma-informed systems. They're frequently used interchangeably to describe how programmes, services, organisations, or systems help people who have been through, or are going through, trauma. These terms are being jumbled together and are not being used clearly or consistently. 

In the realm of supporting people who have faced traumatic experiences, the concept of trauma-informed care has emerged as a beacon of hope. Yet, despite its increasing prominence, the concept feels shrouded in ambiguity and, more recently, is being used as a barrier to calling out and challenging oppressive systems and practices. Let’s delve into the heart of trauma-informed care. Unravel its essence, its advantages, and how it can be embraced within services dedicated to changing systems and to supporting people with experiences of trauma.

Demystifying trauma-informed care: What's it all about?

Picture this: a care approach that's rooted in understanding, sensitivity, and empathy. Trauma-informed care doesn’t just need to be a buzzword; it's a philosophy that centres around recognising the impact of trauma on peoples' lives and ensuring that the care they receive respects their experiences and needs.

Crucial principles of trauma-informed care (AND that extra step):

1. Safety first: The first step towards healing is a safe and trustworthy environment. Trauma-informed care emphasises the creation of spaces where people can feel secure, both physically and emotionally. Trauma-informed care emphasises the importance of fostering an environment that promotes emotional security.

   AND — people feel safe enough to take risks if they wish.

2. Trust and transparency: having someone truly listen and believe your story. Trauma-informed care builds trust by valuing transparency, open communication, and respecting boundaries.

   AND — care providers are transparent with their care and support processes and systems

3. Choice, empowerment, and collaboration: Imagine being a part of your own healing journey. This approach recognises the significance of empowering people and actively involving them in decisions about their own care. This principle respects their autonomy and fosters a sense of control.

   AND — care providers allow people to make decisions that may not be completely risk-free.

4. Giving people a voice: Imagine being heard and understood. Trauma-informed care values peoples voices, allowing them to play a significant role in shaping their own healing journey. It recognises the need to address power imbalances at all levels so that people’s voices can be truly heard.

   AND — care providers accept responsibility for wrongdoing, whether or not it was intended.

5. Understanding the impact of trauma: Acknowledging that trauma shapes behaviour and responses, this principle encourages service providers to look beyond the surface and understand the deeper implications of trauma.

   AND — space and time is held for people to share deep context and the impact of trauma on them and their communities.

6. Addressing diversity and cultural sensitivity: Care that integrates your unique context, background, and beliefs. Trauma-informed care values diversity and understands that people from different communities may react to trauma differently. It considers cultural, gender and historical contexts when providing support and acknowledges the importance of humility in delivering personalised care.

   AND — action is taken to improve these injustices.

The advantages are obvious:

The benefits of trauma-informed care can be transformative:

• Healing and empowerment: People are given the tools to heal, regain control, and rebuild their lives on their terms.

• Reduced re-traumatisation: Trauma-informed care actively works to reduce and prevent situations that might unintentionally trigger past traumas.

• Enhanced collaboration and autonomy: It fosters a strong partnership between service providers and service users, enabling people to take control of their own journey, resulting in more effective and tailored support.

A compassionate path forward

If done well, trauma-informed care is like a compass guiding us towards compassionate and effective support. It's about acknowledging the pain they carry and creating an environment where healing and empowerment can flourish. By embracing the core principles and benefits of this approach, services can provide a lifeline of understanding, respect, and hope to those who need it most. That doesn’t mean it is easy to do.

Here’s a helpful table developed from the rapid evidence assessment of trauma informed approaches by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (April 2023).

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