Trauma-informed Social Workers appreciate how common trauma is, and that trauma can affect psychosocial development and lifelong coping strategies.
Social Workers emphasise participants strengths instead of focusing on pathology, and work on building healthy skills rather than simply addressing symptoms
Social Workers recognise that the connection and trust is needed in a therapeutic relationship, and this requires a compassionate and respectful way of engaging with participants
What are the benefits of providing trauma-informed care?
There are several benefits to using a trauma-informed approach.
Many clients with trauma have difficulty maintaining healthy, open relationships with a providers. For clients, trauma-informed care offers the opportunity to engage more fully in their care, develop a trusting relationship with their provider, and improve long-term outcomes. Trauma-informed care can also help reduce burnout among providers, potentially reducing staff turnover.
Components of Trauma Informed Practice:
Safety
- Safe relationships are consistent, predictable, and non-shaming
- Warm and welcoming surroundings will create a sense of serenity and safety
- Respectful language, boundaries, and understanding of power can establish and model safe and appropriate limits
Trust
- Trust is foundational for establishing a healthy personality
- Social work practice is genuine and authentic
- When basic needs for safety, respect, and acceptance are understood, an atmosphere of trust can be established
Choice
- Social workers help identify options and alternatives and guiding clients in their own informed decision making
- As we learn and practice new skills, we increase our repertoire of available choices.
- Promoting and reinforcing autonomy and self-determination, can transform from a place of powerlessness to a survivor who directs life decisions and outcomes
Collaboration
- A collaborative relationship is one in which the worker’s professional knowledge is combined with the client’s expertise in their life
- Using the helping relationship as a therapeutic tool, the collaborative partnership facilitates connection
Empowerment
- Instead of asking “What’s wrong with you?” we ask “What has happened to you?”
- By re-framing trauma responses as normal reactions to threatening encounters, we help clients to achieve a sense of control in one’s daily life.
With Grace Therapy Social Workers are trauma informed and experienced working with trauma. Please contact us if you or someone you know may benefit from seeking therapy.
