4.4 Trauma-informed principles in practice

You have learned how trauma-informed principles can be used to help create environments that are safe, healing and empowering for individuals who have experienced trauma. These principles should be applied in various settings – such as healthcare, education, social services and workplaces – to ensure that interactions and systems do not re-traumatise individuals.

Think about how you can use the principles for all interactions and where appropriate the person you are supporting or caring for. Try using the principles as questions that will prompt you, such as shown in the interactive table below.

Click on each of the five headings to learn more.

Active content not displayed. This content requires JavaScript to be enabled.
Show description|Hide description

Heading 1. Safety. How safe is this environment? Does it provide a sense of physical safety? Does the person feel safe here? What indications are there that they feel safe or unsafe? How can I make it feel safer for him/her? Have I considered potential triggers that might compromise their physical or emotional safety? Heading 2. Trust. How can I build trust in this situation? What actions can I take to demonstrate reliability? Could I be considered as trustworthy based on this relationship so far? What past experiences might impact their perception of my trustworthiness? Heading 3. Choice. Have I offered choice to the person about how we work together? What options can I provide to empower them? Have I thought about the different ways that we could practically achieve these goals? How can I incorporate their preferences into our plans? Are there any barriers that prevent the person from making choices? How can I help address these barriers? Heading 4. Collaboration. How can I involve the person so that they feel meaningfully included in decisions about their life? What ways can facilitate their involvement? What support can I provide to encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings in discussions? Heading 5. Empowerment. How can I value the person for who they are? What strengths can I recognise and celebrate? By ensuring safety, trust, choice, and collaboration, how can I help people feel empowered? What steps can I take to reinforce their autonomy?

Interactive feature not available in single page view (see it in standard view).

Activity 4: The five trauma-informed principles

In this activity, you will explore the five trauma-informed principles using Jemma's case study.

Guest users do not have permission to interact with embedded questions.
Interactive feature not available in single page view (see it in standard view).

By completing this activity, you've deepened your understanding of the five trauma-informed principles and how they apply to real-life scenarios.

You've practised matching reflective questions and statements to their corresponding principles, enhancing your ability to foster trust, safety, and empowerment in your interactions.

This exercise not only promotes a trauma-informed approach but also helps create meaningful connections that can significantly contribute to the healing journey for those impacted by trauma.

4.3 Positive interactions

4.5 Final reflections