Understanding Trauma-Informed Care: What It Is and Why It Matters

Trauma is far more common than many people realize. According to research, approximately 60% of adults report experiencing at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, with many experiencing multiple traumas. At Base Behavioral Health, we believe that understanding how trauma affects the mind and body is essential for effective therapy. That's why we practice trauma-informed care across all our services.

What is Trauma-Informed Care?

Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for healing. Rather than asking, "What's wrong with you?" trauma-informed care asks, "What happened to you?" This shift in perspective acknowledges that many behaviors and symptoms that bring people to therapy may be adaptations to traumatic experiences.

A trauma-informed approach incorporates four key elements:

1. Realizes the widespread impact of trauma and pathways to recovery

2. Recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, and staff

3. Responds by integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices

4. Resists re-traumatization by creating safety and empowerment

This approach doesn't mean every client has experienced trauma or needs trauma-focused treatment. Rather, it creates a foundation of safety, trustworthiness, and empowerment that benefits everyone.

Why Trauma-Informed Care Matters

Trauma can affect every aspect of a person's life, including their:

• Physical health: Chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, and other medical conditions

• Mental health: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance use

• Relationships: Trust issues, communication difficulties, and attachment patterns

• Self-perception: Beliefs about safety, control, and self-worth

Without addressing underlying trauma, traditional therapy approaches may not be effective and could potentially re-traumatize clients. Trauma-informed care creates the safety needed for healing to occur.

What Trauma-Informed Care Looks Like at Base Behavioral Health

At our practice, trauma-informed care shapes everything we do:

Creating Physical and Emotional Safety

Our office environment is designed to feel welcoming and safe, with consideration for lighting, sound, privacy, and comfort. More importantly, our therapists work to create emotional safety through transparency, consistency, and respecting boundaries.

Building Trust Through Transparency

We explain the therapy process clearly, including what to expect in sessions, how confidentiality works, and the rationale behind therapeutic approaches. This transparency helps clients feel more in control and reduces anxiety about the unknown.

Offering Choice and Collaboration

Trauma often involves a loss of power and control. We counter this by emphasizing client choice and collaboration in the therapy process. Clients are active participants in setting goals and choosing therapeutic approaches.

Recognizing Strengths and Resilience

While acknowledging the impact of trauma, we also recognize and build upon clients' inherent strengths and resilience. This strengths-based perspective helps clients reconnect with their capabilities and resources.

Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity

Trauma experiences and responses are influenced by cultural, historical, and gender contexts. Our therapists practice cultural humility and strive to create an inclusive environment where all identities and backgrounds are respected.

Is Trauma-Informed Care Right for You?

You don't need to have experienced major trauma to benefit from trauma-informed care. This approach creates a foundation of safety, respect, and empowerment that enhances the effectiveness of therapy for everyone.

If you have experienced trauma, whether recently or in the past, working with a trauma-informed therapist can help you:

• Understand how trauma may be affecting your current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

• Develop skills for managing trauma symptoms and distress

• Process traumatic experiences at your own pace, when you're ready

• Build greater resilience and self-compassion

• Reclaim a sense of safety and control in your life

Taking the Next Step

If you're interested in learning more about trauma-informed care or how it might help you, we invite you to contact us at Base Behavioral Health. Our team of experienced therapists specializes in trauma-informed approaches and can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Trauma may be part of your story, but it doesn't have to define your future.