Trauma-Informed Care 101

Have you ever wondered what it truly means for therapy to prioritize your safety and understanding? Trauma-informed care isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a transformative way to center safety, respect, and understanding in every part of the therapeutic journey. Whether you’re personally navigating trauma or simply curious about this approach, let’s explore how it can create a space that honors your experiences and empowers your healing.

What Is Trauma-Informed Care?

Trauma-informed care is a way of approaching therapy that’s grounded in the understanding that many people carry the weight of trauma. Rather than diving into painful memories right away, trauma-informed care prioritizes creating a safe, supportive space where you feel in control of your healing. Grounded in a trauma-informed framework, we see and respect the impact of trauma in your life and make sure you know: we’re here to support you, not to re-traumatize you.

5 Key Principles of Trauma-Informed Care

1. Safety
   Feeling safe in therapy is everything. This means physical safety (like comfortable spaces) and emotional safety (feeling that you won’t be judged, shamed, or pressured). Trauma-informed therapists actively work to make therapy a place where you can let down your guard without fear.

2. Trustworthiness and Transparency
   I’ll always be upfront about what’s happening in our sessions and why. For example, if we’re going to try a new technique or discuss a topic that might feel intense, I’ll let you know ahead of time. This transparency builds trust and lets you know you can ask questions or say “not right now” if something feels too intense.

3. Peer Support
   Many trauma survivors find comfort in knowing they aren’t alone. Sometimes I might suggest resources or groups where you can connect with others who’ve experienced something similar. It’s about recognizing that healing doesn’t happen in isolation – it happens in community.

4. Collaboration and Choice
   You are the expert on your own life. In trauma-informed care, you get to set the pace and choose the direction of our work. I’m here to guide and support, but your input is essential. I’ll never assume I know what’s best for you without asking you first.

5. Empowerment
   Trauma can leave us feeling powerless, but therapy can be a place to reclaim that power. My role is to help you see your own strengths and resilience, reminding you that even after experiencing trauma, you’re capable of incredible healing and growth.

Why Trauma-Informed Care Matters

Trauma affects us in all sorts of ways – mentally, physically, emotionally, even socially. Trauma-informed care acknowledges that trauma is complex, and healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about meeting you where you are, being sensitive to your needs, and giving you space to heal in a way that feels right for you — recognizing and honoring your individual strengths and resilience.

What Trauma-Informed Care Looks Like in Our Sessions

You might notice me checking in regularly, offering grounding techniques, or inviting you to tell me if something feels uncomfortable. Trauma-informed care is about you having control over your healing process. You’re never “too much” here, and your experiences, however challenging, are valid.

As a therapist with specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), I bring additional tools to support trauma healing. EMDR is a therapeutic approach designed to help process traumatic memories in a safe, structured way, often reducing the intensity of painful memories. Combining EMDR with a trauma-informed approach means I’m especially mindful of creating a supportive space where you’re in control of your pace, empowered to explore healing methods that work for you. While EMDR is not the only therapeutic approach that addresses trauma, it can be a powerful source of healing. This combination of techniques ensures that, together, we can address trauma in ways that feel both manageable and meaningful.

Let’s Create a Safe Space Together

If you’re ready, I’m here to support you with an approach that honors your journey, respects your boundaries, and empowers you to heal in your own way. Reach out today for more information.