Transforming Trauma – Creating trauma – and resiliency – informed services across diverse sectors
Trauma – From isolation to connection
“Trauma is trauma, no matter what caused it.” – Peter Levine. Trauma is created when an individual is exposed directly or indirectly to an overwhelming event/experience that involves a threat to one’s physical, emotional and/or psychological safety.Trauma has multiple causes. In addition to interpersonal violence, trauma can result from emotional neglect, sexual and physical assault, accidents, war, illness, medical intervention, the death of loved ones, natural disasters, racism, sexism and many other types of events. Trauma impacts individuals, families, communities, organizations and entire societies.
Transforming Trauma
In order to transform trauma at the individual, family, community, organization and societal levels, we need to implement the principles of trauma-informed care*: safety, trust, choice, collaboration and empowerment. Although these principles are frequently cited when defining trauma-informed care, there has been less discussion on how to implement them.
CORE provides consultation and training on how to implement trauma-informed care principles as part of day to day practice.
*Harris, M. & Fallot, R.D. (2001). Using Trauma Theory to Design Service Systems. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
The Impact of Trauma
We now know that trauma impacts the brain and body. Research from multiple disciplines has shown that the effects of trauma can be significant and long lasting…