What is a primary goal of trauma-informed care?

A primary goal of trauma-informed care is to recognize and address the impact of trauma on individuals. This approach acknowledges that many clients have experienced trauma in their lives, which can profoundly affect their emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. By understanding the prevalence of trauma, practitioners can create an environment that is sensitive to the needs of those individuals, fostering safety, trust, and empowerment.

Trauma-informed care involves integrating knowledge about trauma into all aspects of service delivery and focuses on the potential for growth and resilience alongside recovery. This paradigm shifts the focus from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”, emphasizing compassion and empathy in care.

In contrast, strict discipline, competitive environments, and prioritization of efficiency are not aligned with the principles of trauma-informed care, as they may overlook or exacerbate the effects of trauma on individuals. Thus, recognizing and addressing trauma is crucial in facilitating healing and supporting individuals effectively in their recovery journey.