Trauma Informed Response and Care: More than being “nice” and asking open-ended questions.

Human Centric and Healing Focused

Over the past two decades, there has been a growing recognition of the profound impact trauma has on various aspects of health, mental health, and social issues. Experiences such as sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, child abuse, automobile accidents, and natural disasters are all deeply traumatic, often inflicting significant harm on survivors’ physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological well-being.

When individuals may endure multiple traumatic experiences throughout their lives, they may develop a range of behavioral health challenges, including but not limited to post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use, depression, anxiety, childhood behavioral disorders, and even psychosis or personality disorders. Each person’s response to trauma is unique, making it essential to adopt a human-centric and healing-centered approach. This is not merely a checklist of practices or a set of open-ended questions; it is about fostering an embodied experience rooted in genuine connection. It’s reflected in how we communicate, how we move, and how we engage with the individual before us.

There is a sense of fatigue surrounding the trauma-informed paradigm. Many find it challenging to grasp its complexities, as it transcends superficial measures. It is crucial to recognize that responses to trauma can vary widely; some individuals may show no visible signs, while others may exhibit dramatic behaviors such as irritability, mood swings, anxiety, and difficulty articulating their experiences. They may struggle with memory retention or even basic self-care.

This presentation will delve into the various dimensions of a comprehensive, human-centric, and healing-centered trauma-informed response. We will cover essential topics such as staff training and support, the importance of physical environments, cultural safety and intersectionality, policy development, case management, assessment, and the prevention of vicarious trauma. We will explore different models, including the Sanctuary Model and the Addiction and Trauma Recovery Integration Model, and examine the physiological and neurological effects of trauma on the brain.

Additionally, we will discuss the Human Centric Interview to capture the nuances of these complex experiences. Our goal is to provide actionable strategies that enhance trauma-informed care and prevent vicarious trauma, fostering a more compassionate and effective response to those in need.

See the registration page for more information about the training.

Presenter: Myra Strand

Click HERE to register. Questions? Contact Lisette at lisette@cacwa.org.