Trauma-informed care is an approach to health and social care which is heavily focused on the impact trauma can have on someone’s mental and physical well-being. This approach aims to holistically support trauma survivors and help enhance their quality of life. Carry on reading to discover more about trauma-informed care, including how to apply it to social work practice.
Recognising trauma
The first step to providing effective care is being able to recognise signs of trauma in an individual. These can include:
Heightened emotions - People who have been through trauma may find it challenging to control their emotions, and therefore their responses might be unexpected or come across as somewhat irrational. Feelings of sadness, anger, fear, shame, and/or guilt are common.
Avoidant tendencies - If a certain place, activity or person reminds the person of the traumatic event, then they may become withdrawn from social activities and people in general.
Physical symptoms - Sometimes, trauma can manifest itself physically. For example, as a headache, stomach cramp or fatigue.
Jumpy - Those with post-traumatic stress are often easily startled and might appear hypervigilant or anxious.
Difficulty completing everyday activities - When you are in a constant state of shock, everyday tasks such as cooking, washing and getting dressed can seem impossible. Keep an eye out for service users who seem to be struggling with basic routines.
Remember, trauma manifests itself differently in everyone - some people may even be ‘asymptomatic’. That’s why it's important to build rapport with each of your clients while approaching everyone with kindness and compassion.
Taking a trauma-informed approach: how does it help?
With a deepened understanding of trauma and how it negatively impacts individuals/communities, social workers can help improve the quality of care services. The aim is to create a space where service users feel seen, empowered and most importantly, safe.
Trauma-informed approaches focus closely on an individual’s needs, rather than their issues.
What are the key principles of trauma-informed care?
The Office for Health Improvement & Disparities the 6 key principles of trauma-informed care as being:
Safety - Creating a safe environment for the individual and making it clear that their safety and well-being are your priority.
Trustworthiness - Transparency is key here. Ensure the service user is aware of what is happening and why. This also means staff setting clear expectations.
Choice - Decision-making is supported by social workers, and the person in the care setting is given a voice.
Collaboration - Coming together to solve problems and provide support.
Empowerment - Listening and responding to the needs of service users and staff - all feelings are validated.
Cultural consideration - Ensures policies meet the needs of everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, geography, race or ethnicity.
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