Trauma Informed Practice : Why does it matter? 

What is trauma? Trauma is defined as a stressful, frightening or distressing experience that can result in having a lasting effect on someone's mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. It could be from a single event that happened in someone's life, or it could be a result from an ongoing event that continues to happen over a long period of time. At some point in our lives, we may experience an event that could be considered traumatic but we won’t all be affected in the same way.  

Most of us are aware of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which is caused from a significant traumatic event, but we also have something known as Complex Trauma.  This is caused by exposure to harmful or threatening experiences which persist over time, and is often rooted in relationships that were meant to provide care or protection. This might include ongoing emotional, physical or sexual abuse, chronic neglect, domestic violence or growing up in an environment shaped by instability or fear. Whilst trauma can be experienced at any point in someone's life, childhood trauma is particularly important, and it closely linked to poor attachment.  Together they often form the roots of complex trauma which could then have a lasting effect on the child's mental health, emotional regulation, lack of ability to build relationships and their nervous system. Understanding the link between childhood trauma, attachment and complex trauma helps to gain an insight on why a child may behave or react in a particular way, and it shifts the narrative away from blame. Supporting a child and giving them a sense of safety, love and care is so important as it creates a safe place for the individual to feel a sense of calm, safety and trust. This then creates a strong foundation to help them build relationships in which they feel comfortable.  This is why using a trauma informed approach is so important. 

So, what is trauma informed practice? Trauma informed practice is an approach that helps to recognise the impact of trauma and understand how it can affect behaviour, learning, relationships and health, and then responding to this in a way that promotes safety, empowerment and seeks to avoid re-traumatisation. It does not require someone to disclose their trauma, but the approach acknowledges that behaviours, reactions or coping strategies that may seem challenging are often adaptations to their trauma. By understanding this, those who use the approach respond with a sense of empathy rather than judgement, and with curiosity rather than control.  

Trauma informed practice can be applied across many fields including education, healthcare, social services, mental health, child protection and workplaces. In practice being trauma informed might mean: 

• Being calm, using respectful language even in high stress situations
• Ensure you are using clear explanations before procedures or changes
• Allowing breaks, flexibility or offering alternative ways to participate
• Avoid shame, threats or punitive responses
• Be mindful of triggers such as body language, tone of voice or power dynamics 
• Reflect of polices and environments that may unintentionally cause harm 

Trauma informed practice is not about excusing behaviour but it's about responding in ways that are more effective, sustainable and create that sense of calmness. When people feel safe and understood the outcomes improve, so by using this approach you are more likely to see some positive changes.  These include: 

• Stronger relationships and trust
• Reduced conflict or burn out
• Improved engagement and participation
• Better regulation of emotions and their wellbeing 

For those using a trauma informed approach, it also encourages reflection on their practice of self-care and creates an understanding on how secondary trauma can affect their own wellbeing.  

Trauma informed practise is not a one-time training, it's a mindset. A shift in perspective to seeing behaviour through a lens of safety and survival rather than judgement. When we lead with compassion, curiosity and empathy we create environments which allows individuals space to heal, learn and grow.  

This is something that all fields could benefit from.