Trauma-informed care has been around for awhile...
There is no real universal definition of the approach so here is how I explain it:
It is a strengths-based approach that utilizes the understanding of trauma and stress as a part of our human experience to skillfully inform how we relate with others. When applied, this approach reduces harm, promotes safety, and has various supportive impacts on both others and yourself.
We used to hold a narrow understanding of trauma thinking it was only the minority of the population that experienced trauma.
We used to think trauma-informed care was only reserved for mental health and healthcare providers providing specific trauma interventions.
What we now know is that virtually everyone has experienced trauma.
We know for a fact that everyone has experienced stress.
Living through a historical trauma of a global pandemic, existing in systems that uphold adversity and oppression, and existing in a capitalistic culture that promotes individualism over collectivism-it is evident that trauma-informed care is non-negotiable-we are all deserving of this approach.
Trauma and stress are a part of our human experience.
This includes the experiences of your existing and potential clients signing up for your courses, programs, and services.
As well as your colleagues and team members which can impact well-being, satisfaction, and sustainability.
How are you honoring this reality in your facilitation, space holding, service delivery?
How are you honoring this reality in your leadership, workplace culture, and team managment?
Trauma-informed care is not about responding to trauma but rather using an understanding of its impact to skillfully inform how you show up in your life and business.
With trauma-informed care, everyone benefits.
That's why I believe it's time that we rethink the approach.
For the last several years, I have been reimagining what trauma-informed care could look like if it were inclusive and accessible for all people and professions.
During this time, I developed frameworks and methodologies to create an integrative trauma-informed care approach which I have used to train thousands of professionals in multiple industries across 6 continents.
I have become a subject matter expert that brings a vast lens of integrative instruction to embody these skills across many client experiences.
The future is integrative trauma-informed care.
Integrative trauma-informed care honors the origins of the model but focuses on integrative practices that are inclusive and applicable to our professional and personal lives.
It is a bidirectional approach that is centered on developing integrative skills so that they become embodied practices that augment your existing skillsets.
Most trauma-informed trainings are heavy on understanding trauma yet lack the actionable ways to develop and embody trauma-informed care into everyday practice.
It’s not enough to just understand what trauma is, its impact and nervous system care.
We need to take that understanding and transform it into practical and applicable skills to inform how we engage, support, facilitate and lead.
For example, in my signature training CULTIVATE, I utilize utilize the Trauma Informed Space Holding Blueprint™, which offers tools and skill development to amplify your capacity as a space holder and facilitator.
When people are able to feel a sense of safety, trust, and connection in your presence and in your space, then they are able to access more possibilities to be, do, feel, learn and create.
Leading to more exemplary client experiences and outcomes.
All of which promote the social impact of inclusion, resilience, and healing.
That is how we actually create a trauma-informed future.
And the best news is, we don't have to wait for the future, we can start now.
We can’t ignore the realities of the individual and collective experiences that intersect every aspect of our lives both personally and professionally.
Everyone in some way has felt the impact of the accumulation of stress and adversity heightened by the historical trauma of a global pandemic.
Service-based professionals are in a unique position to ensure both their spaces, teams and themselves adopt a trauma-informed lens and culture to honor these realities.
Adopting an integrative trauma-informed approach ensures you are actively integrating practices that promote safety, inclusion and sustainability.
A trauma-informed future is possible, if we choose to create it.
Are you an individual that desires to adopt an integrative trauma-informed approach? Enrollment is now open until September 5th for my signature professional online training, CULTIVATE.
Are you a leader of a company or team that desires to adopt an integrative trauma-informed approach? Learn more about my private training options for teams and companies.
For more education and resources listen to A Trauma-Informed Future Podcast.
Curious and want to learn more? I love connecting with fellow social impact leaders. Feel free to DM me or schedule a virtual coffee chat here.
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