![]() Focus on building relationshipsĪll work within health and human services is built on a foundation of trusting and therapeutic relationships. These strengths are ultimately part of the tools that will help clients begin to move toward recovery from traumatic stress. Focus on the individual’s strengths, talents, and gifts. Practice a strengths-based approach to careĪ trauma-informed model of care asks not “What is wrong with you?” but rather “What happened to you?” Withhold judgment about clients’ behaviors and instead focus on how the behavior may be an adaptation to deal with traumatic stress. Pay attention to these terms and promote language that removes judgment from the individual’s behavior. Direct support staff may document an individual’s behaviors as “noncompliant” or “resistant,” when these are actually behaviors that reflect a trauma response. What kind of language does your organization use to describe the behavior of persons served? Rather than naming a client a “no show,” acknowledge that there may be barriers to their being able to attend an appointment. Direct support professionals and peer supports can even learn how to facilitate grounding exercises and other calming techniques with their clients when they recognize signs of distress. ![]() ![]() Understanding concepts such as triggers can help nonclinical staff identify ways to prevent or reduce the likelihood of re-traumatizing a person served. Staff who have a basic understanding of how trauma affects an individual’s mind and body will be more likely to approach their work with a trauma-informed lens. How can an organization support its nonclinical staff to learn about and practice trauma-informed care? The following are six recommendations to help you get started. 6 trauma-informed care training activities for non-clinical staff Despite the heavy emphasis of being trauma-informed among clinical staff, it is equally important that nonclinical staff (receptionists, administrators, paraprofessionals, and others) are given a basic knowledge of trauma-informed care principles. In order for an organization to truly become trauma-informed, it needs to involve every single person at that organization. This should give you an idea of the critical role nonclinical staff play in an organization that practices trauma-informed care. This first interaction with your organization has created a sense of insecurity and fear, rather than a sense of safety and trust. The individual immediately feels on guard, and fearful of upsetting the receptionist. The receptionist at the front desk does not acknowledge the individual when they first walk through the lobby door, and when the individual speaks up, the receptionist does not smile or give a kind greeting. Picture this: an individual arrives at your organization who has experienced trauma related to intimate partner violence. Did you know that using trauma-informed care training activities is important for all staff, not just clinicians?
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |