What does it mean to be “trauma-informed”?
What does it meant to be trauma-informed, and why does it matter?
To be trauma-informed is to be aware of the potential existence of trauma in everyone, even those who do not appear “traumatized”, and to be compassionate and understanding of the possibility that past experiences may influence the way someone experiences their life in the present. Simply put, it’s a shift from asking “what is wrong with this person?”, to “what has happened to this person?” (1). While operating under this premise is obviously beneficial for those that have experienced trauma, I believe that trauma-informed care is the bare minimum of what should be provided to all humans, and especially to all patients. Trauma is so pervasive, and it is therefore much safer to assume that one has had challenging experiences in their past and act with accordant kindness, than it is to assume the opposite and risk causing inadvertent harm.
Simply put, it’s a shift from asking “what is wrong with this person?”, to “what has happened to this person?”
On power differentials, and the use of trauma-informed practices in healthcare
Being trauma-informed is especially important for healthcare workers. Many types of trauma occur at the hands of individuals that are supposed to take care of us: parents, teachers, bosses, doctors, therapists, coaches, etc. This is partly a byproduct of the power differential that naturally exists within all of these relationships; one party is providing guidance, protection, care, or direction, and the other party’s health, success, or happiness is somewhat or wholly dependent on receiving that support. Power differentials are not inherently bad, but they do lend themselves to situations where the less power-full party is at higher risk of being coerced or taken advantage of, even inadvertently. As such, anyone who is holding the more power-full role within a power dynamic, especially those who exist in that role professionally, have a significant responsibility to be aware of the potential impact of their actions. This is easily accomplished by operating through a trauma-informed lens.
To be a trauma-informed clinician (or teacher, therapist, boss, coach, etc.) is to be mindful of the potential for trauma in everyone’s history, to be considerate of the power you hold within your therapeutic relationship, and to aim, in your interactions with ALL patients/clients/students, to create an environment that is accepting, nonjudgmental and meets the individual where they are at, and to actively use behaviours and treatments that promote healing and recovery, rather than those that may re-traumatize.
Do I need to “have” trauma in order to benefit from trauma-informed care?
Trauma-informed care is not necessarily aimed at treating trauma, but rather provides health care and support of all types in a way that is respectful and appropriate for individuals that may have experienced trauma. For example, while a lot of my practice is focused on mental health and trauma work, I operate through a trauma-informed lens when interacting with all of my patients, even if our primary focus is improving sleep quality, improving skin health, or working toward weight loss.
What does trauma-informed care look like?
The five principles of trauma-informed medicine that I follow in my practice are trust, safety, choice, collaboration, and empowerment (1). These values improve the strength of the relationship between my patient and I, and minimize any potential negative impact that may arise as a product of the power differential that is present. I believe these principles should be followed in all work and personal relationships.
Implementing these trauma-informed care principles into any medical practice looks like:
-you being encouraged to show up however/wherever you are in your healing journey;
-your doctor not immediately expecting you to trust them or their recommendations;
- your doctor taking into account your particular needs, fears and limitations when making a treatment plan for you;
- you being an equal and fully respected partner in your care;
- your experiences and opinions of what's happening in your body and mind being valued and taken seriously;
- you not being forced, coerced or shamed into making a decision;
- you having the space to ask questions and voice your concerns; and,
- everything happening with your fully-informed consent, and at the pace that you determine.
In my experience as both a patient and a doctor, receiving trauma-informed care makes the patient feel considerably safer and more comfortable, and drastically increases the likelihood of meeting goals and reaching a place of optimal health.
How do I find a trauma-informed doctor?
Trauma is an emerging field, and in order for trauma-informed care to be fully available there will need to be top-down changes made across sectors and throughout all levels of organizational culture. However, it can start with us; as a practitioner, or just a human with relationships, consider what simple adjustments might make your behaviours more trauma-informed, and as a patient, consider looking for a trauma-informed therapist, doctor, bodyworker, coach, etc in your area, or asking questions about your current care provider’s knowledge of trauma.
Looking for some trauma-informed medical support? Not sure if you should start working on your mental or physical health struggles first? I can help. I am accepting patients both in-person at my clinic in Vancouver (Mount Pleasant) and virtually (for anyone in British Columbia).
Book yourself in for a 15-minute complementary consult to ask any questions and see if we'd be a good fit. You don't have to to do it alone.
(Finances should not be an obstacle on your journey back to health. Sliding scale pricing available.)
Book in now, or contact me to get in touch.
REFERENCES
Harris, M. & Fallot, R. D. (Eds.) (2001). Using Trauma Theory to Design Service Systems. New Directions for Mental Health Services. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass
Buffalo Centre for Social Research. (n.d.) What Is Trauma-Informed Care. Retrieved September 11, 2020 from http://socialwork.buffalo.edu/social-research/institutes-centers/institute-on-trauma-and-trauma-informed-care/what-is-trauma-informed-care.html