Many of us are walking around with a burden no one can see: our past traumatic experiences. These traumas can shape how we see and interact with the world. In fact, carrying the trauma can get so heavy that people seek out therapy specifically to try and lighten that load.
The good news: therapy can absolutely help. The not-as-great news: working through therapy might require you to remember your traumatic experience(s).
The right therapist, though, can apply trauma-informed care to limit your discomfort as much as possible as you go through the process. The goal of the therapist is to limit the chance of retraumatization — making the recovery process one that feels safe as opposed to threatening.
Trauma-informed care 101
Trauma-informed care approaches therapy understanding that trauma has greatly impacted your life. Essentially, it reframes the question from “Why am I like this?” (putting the blame on you) to “What happened to me?” This way, you can refocus and acknowledge the effects of the traumatic experience while trying to minimize its negative impact on you today. It allows us to really reposition ourselves within our trauma narrative.
Just as importantly, trauma-informed care works to keep you safe. Specifically, your therapist will try to remove as many opportunities as possible to re-traumatize you. They’ll be extremely careful with their words and with the way they guide you in revisiting your trauma.
That might mean you move more slowly and gently. You and your therapist may avoid certain words or topics for a time. If you ever feel triggered, tell your therapist so they can shape your care to what you need. Remember, your therapist understands both the rational and irrational ways in which trauma impacts our sense of self and relation to others.
As your therapist applies trauma-informed care, they use specific principles. To help you understand what this kind of care can do for you, let’s take a look at them.
Trauma-informed care’s six guiding principles
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has issued guidance on trauma-informed care. When therapists use trauma-informed care following these guidelines, they commit to creating an environment of:
Safety
You should always feel both physically and psychologically safe during your sessions. A trauma-informed therapist takes measures to ensure this.
Trustworthiness and transparency
You should never wonder what’s going on behind your back. You should feel like you can be fully open with your therapist and they’re being completely transparent in return, helping you build trust.
Peer support
Leaning into the stories of others who have lived through trauma does two things. First, it reminds you that you’re not alone. Secondly, it can give you encouragement and guidance on your own healing journey. Your narratives and lived experiences are an integral part of the healing process.
Collaboration and mutuality
You should feel like you’re on the same team as your therapist. Similarly, you shouldn’t feel like there’s a power hierarchy in play. Instead, you’re working together side-by-side toward the same goal. After all, they’re an expert in the field — but you are an expert on yourself and narratives.
Empowerment, voice, and choice
Your care should help you feel more informed and self-assured so you can make the choices you need. You should feel encouraged and might learn new ways to speak up and advocate for yourself. Your strengths should be recognized, valued, and built upon.
Cultural, historical, and gender issues
Trauma-informed care acknowledges that there are factors at play that impact you, like your gender and your cultural background. Rather than diminishing those or setting them aside, it brings them into the conversation so you can get support and care as a whole person.
This is just a quick overview of the very deep well of trauma-informed care. Ultimately, what you should know is that if you’ve lived through a traumatic experience, this kind of therapy means your therapist will be sensitive to you and committed to helping you feel safe.
If you want to learn more — or you’re ready to get started with trauma-informed care — contact our team at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center in Ventura or the West Valley Counseling Center in Tarzana.
