What does it mean to be trauma informed?
This guide explores trauma informed practices in several fields. While it can be applied in many ways, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides the following description of a trauma informed approach.
“A program, organization, or system that is trauma-informed:
- Realizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery;
- Recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others involved with the system;
- Responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices; and
- Seeks to actively resist re-traumatization."
SAMHSA’s Six Key Principles of a Trauma-Informed Approach
- Safety
- Trustworthiness and Transparency
- Peer support
- Collaboration and mutuality
- Empowerment, voice and choice
- Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues
