Trauma Informed Therapy

What Is Trauma-Informed Therapy?

As a trauma-informed therapist, I understand how deeply trauma can affect your behavior,
mental health, and ability to engage in therapy. I approach every session with the assumption
that you may have a history of trauma, even if it hasn’t been shared. My priority is to create a
safe, supportive space where you feel seen, heard, and respected. I take care to address
anything that might trigger or re-traumatize you, ensuring that our work together fosters
healing and growth.

What Is Trauma?

Trauma can take many forms, and there is no one universal definition or response to it. The
same event may affect individuals differently, and not everyone who experiences a traumatic
event will develop trauma.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) defines trauma
as “exposure to actual or threatened events involving death, serious injury, or sexual violation
in one (or more) of the following ways”:

1. Directly experiencing the events.
2. Witnessing the events in person as they occur to others.
3. Learning that the events occurred to a close family member or friend.
4. Experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to adverse details of the events.

In addition to these definitions, research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) and Kaiser Permanente highlights the lasting impact of Adverse Childhood
Experiences (ACEs). ACEs refer to ongoing stressors experienced during childhood, which can
influence physical and mental health well into adulthood.

The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

The original ACE study identified 10 key experiences associated with negative long-term
outcomes:

1. Physical abuse
2. Sexual abuse
3. Emotional abuse
4. Physical neglect
5. Emotional neglect
6. Family member or caretaker mental illness
7. Family member or caretaker substance abuse
8. Witnessing violence against the mother
9. Having a relative sent to jail or prison
10. Losing a parent due to separation, divorce, or death

This research found that ACEs can lead to behavioral issues in childhood and adolescence and
contribute to serious health risks, mental health challenges, and early mortality in adulthood.
Adults with high ACE scores are more likely to experience chronic illnesses, substance use,
depression, and other mental health conditions. Additionally, further research has recognized
racial trauma as an important consideration, particularly for Black children, as it can have
similar long-term effects.

The prevalence of ACEs is striking, with over 46% of children reporting at least one ACE. These
findings underscore the critical need for trauma-informed care.

The Trauma-Informed Approach

Trauma-informed therapy shifts the focus from asking, “What is wrong with you?” to asking,
“What happened to you?” This approach emphasizes understanding a client’s trauma history
and the ways it may affect their emotions, behaviors, and ability to cope.

Rather than being a specific treatment technique, trauma-informed therapy is a framework that
tailors interventions to an individual’s unique history, triggers, and needs. It also considers the
effects of intergenerational trauma and cultural influences.

Core Principles of Trauma-Informed Therapy

Trauma-informed therapists emphasize the following areas:

1. Physical and Emotional Safety: Ensuring clients feel safe and supported throughout the
   therapeutic process.
2. Collaboration: Empowering clients by involving them in decisions about their care and
   providing options.
3. Transparency: Maintaining honesty and openness with clients to build trust.
4. Cultural Sensitivity and Competency: Staying informed about best practices, current
   research, and the cultural contexts that shape clients’ experiences.

Healing with Compassion and Strength

Trauma-informed therapy provides a safe, supportive, and compassionate space where you can
explore and heal from past experiences. This approach recognizes the impact of trauma on your
emotional well-being and emphasizes creating a nurturing environment where you can rebuild
resilience and strength. Together, we will work to process and release past wounds while
empowering you to move forward with greater confidence and emotional balance.

If you’re ready to start healing and build a brighter future, I invite you to book a session today.
Let’s work together to create lasting growth and strength.