Trauma can come in many forms, and whether caused by a single event or by a repeated exposure, the way a person feels, thinks, and behaves is shaped by that experience. As human services professionals, you may encounter both clients and colleagues that have been impacted.
Understanding the definition of trauma and increasing your awareness of the specific trauma a person has experienced will help you better understand not only how they’ve been impacted, but how to respond appropriately to their behavior as well. As you sharpen your understanding of their experience, you are strengthening your relationship and making future interventions that much more successful. That level of trust is critical to trauma-informed care— in and out of the workplace—and allows you to respond efficiently while calming escalating behaviors.
This guide will give you:
- A deeper awareness of key trauma-related concepts.
- A greater understanding of trauma’s effects on behavior.
- 6 Guiding Principles to a Trauma-Informed Approach.
- Tips for understanding and preventing vicarious trauma.
- A De-escalation Preferences Form to use with clients and colleagues.
- Resources to explore trauma-informed care further.