What is Trauma-Informed Care?

More and more therapists are describing themselves as “trauma-informed” or “experienced in trauma care”—but what does that mean, and how can trauma-informed care (TIC) benefit those of us seeking treatment? Dr. Julie Lopez, creator  of the Viva Center’s Trauma Informed Clinical Practice Certificate Program, helps us break down how TIC can affect your wellness journey and how to tell a genuine TIC practitioner from an unqualified one.

What is Trauma?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines trauma as a psychological state “resulting from “an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.”

Putting it more simply, Dr. Lopez describes trauma as “distress,” with each person’s reaction being the way that their distress is processed in their system. Organizations like SAMHSA often focus on what Dr. Lopez refers to as “Big T” trauma—real or perceived threats to existence like abuse, natural disasters, community violence, or forced displacement. Yet it’s also important to acknowledge “Little t” trauma, which includes “life’s disappointments, hurts, and imperfections.” A few examples of “Little t” trauma might be a difficult breakup, a public humiliation, or an instance of academic failure.

Both “Big T” and “Little t” trauma can have serious effects on our behavior and physical health, leading to mental health concerns like substance abuse, PTSD, and, depression, and chronic health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Those are just a few reasons why it’s important that those recovering from trauma receive treatment from someone trained in that area.

What is Trauma-Informed Care?

As stated by the Trauma Informed Care Project, TIC is rooted in “understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma.” Its goals include educating communities and individuals about the impact of trauma and helping to empower trauma survivors.

A trauma-informed provider builds their diagnostic, treatment, and intervention skills off of a deep understanding of the physical and psychological effects of trauma. For example, Dr. Lopez notes, “the trauma informed practitioner will have an intimate understanding of the limbic system, the way the central nervous system works, and all of normal physiological responses to trauma.”

One of the most integral aspects of TIC is the understanding that our responses to trauma are normal—even adaptable. For example, an individual might have learned to be hypersensitive to the moods of an abuser to avoid being hurt. That hypersensitivity may have manifested in hypervigilant behavior, an upset stomach when a situation felt “risky,” or other symptoms. Those symptoms, while perhaps harmful now, made sense in the individual’s former, abusive environment. They were survival mechanisms, which developed to manage a specific threat.

Knowing that our trauma responses developed to help us survive, TIC practitioners look to resolve the root causes of those responses rather than the responses themselves. In other words, TIC hones in on the source of a person’s symptoms (fear of violence, fear of abandonment, etc) rather than the symptoms themselves (headaches, depression, substance abuse, etc). This allows for a more thorough and efficient treatment process.

Ultimately, TIC is about empowerment. It aims not only to destigmatize trauma responses, but to show us how those responses are actually evidence of our survival-focused system. Our trauma responses developed to help us survive a distressing experience. We may no longer need them, so we can change our behavior while honoring the safety those responses once provided for us.

Psychology Today has gone as far as to deem TIC “necessary for healthcare providers,” as it enables clinicians to better understand the aforementioned trauma-trauma response relationship. For example, a trauma-informed therapist will have been extensively educated on the connection between traumatic experiences and compulsive behaviors (like substance use or shopping addictions). They will therefore be in a better position to normalize and work through these behaviors with their client. Dr. Lopez shares this view, which is why she requires all Viva Center therapists to undergo TIC training before seeing clients.

How Can I Tell if My Provider is Trained in Trauma-Informed Care?

Many therapists claim to be trained in TIC, but it’s important to verify just what their credentials are. For example, one therapist may undergo a yearlong training program, completing weekly assignments and engaging in in-depth research, while another might attend a 2-hour lecture. Their levels of expertise will be drastically different, yet they might both list “trauma informed” on their resumes.

When seeking a therapist, consider asking them directly about their experience working with trauma. What sort of trainings did they undergo, and for how many hours? Have they been trained in cultural, historical, and gendered issues? Have they studied how factors like income, race, sexual orientation, and more might relate to a person’s experience? Do they have relationships or experience working with local crisis centers and other organizations that support traumatized individuals?

You can also trust your gut when it comes to whether your provider is capable of supporting you. Do you feel judged, disempowered, or less sure of yourself after discussing your trauma with them? Those are all red flags that might signal that your current situation isn’t a good fit.

You deserve to have your trauma understood, and to see a therapist who is fully educated on how to properly treat you. If you have any further questions on TIC or your personal recovery journey, feel free to email us at info@vivapartnership.com. Our therapists are always happy to support you.

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Lilly McGee is Viva’s Director of Operations and Communication and supervisor of the Resilient Brain Project. A published poet, she enjoys writing about mental health, literature, and identity. Other blogs include Mental Health on TV and The Psychological Effects of Stereotyping.