What is the trauma-informed care approach?

The trauma-informed care approach is fundamentally rooted in the understanding that trauma can significantly impact an individual's life and affects their recovery journey. This approach recognizes the prevalence and effects of trauma and prioritizes the safety, choice, and empowerment of individuals in their healing process. By creating an environment that acknowledges trauma, practitioners can foster a sense of safety and trust, which is essential for effective healing.

In trauma-informed care, the focus is not only on addressing the symptoms of mental health or substance use disorders but also on understanding the underlying trauma that may contribute to these issues. This holistic perspective enables support that is more tailored to the individual's experiences and needs, ultimately promoting better recovery outcomes.

Focusing solely on medication as a primary treatment or emphasizing strict behavioral protocols does not take into account the critical influence of trauma on behavior and healing. Ignoring past trauma in recovery would contradict the principles of trauma-informed care, which aim to address the whole person rather than just the presenting issues. Therefore, recognizing trauma and focusing on safety and healing is central to the trauma-informed care approach.