What does it mean to be trauma-informed?
Being trauma-informed means acknowledging the widespread and pervasive nature of trauma and recognising the significant impact and consequences it can have on individuals. This approach requires an understanding that people may experience trauma differently, influenced by their gender, cultural heritage, racial background, or historical context. It involves shifting our perspective from questioning, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ to asking, ‘What’s happened to you and what do you need?’ In doing so, we seek to understand people’s behaviours in the context of their experiences, rather than attributing them simply to deficits or faults.
Our commitment to a trauma-informed approach
Our team is dedicated to embedding trauma-informed principles in every aspect of our work. Whether we are supporting individuals directly or collaborating with organisations, we prioritise creating a sense of psychological safety for everyone we engage with. This focus on safety goes hand in hand with fostering opportunities for empowerment, enabling people to have agency in their own lives and decisions.
The distinction between trauma-informed practice and trauma-focused therapy
It is important to clarify that adopting a trauma-informed approach is not the same as offering trauma-focused therapy aimed at processing the sorts of trauma memories which are the hallmark of mental health conditions such as PTSD and Complex PTSD. Instead, trauma-informed practice is a broad framework that recognises the far-reaching effects of adversity and trauma. It acknowledges that behaviours or symptoms which might appear unhelpful, may in fact have begun as an individual’s best efforts to cope with their circumstances. This approach strives to minimise the risk of re-traumatisation, maintaining an awareness of potential triggers and taking steps to reduce them wherever possible.
Focusing on strengths and building resilience
A trauma-informed approach is grounded in the belief that people are generally doing the best they can, given their circumstances. It shifts the focus from solely examining difficulties to helping individuals identify and build upon their own strengths and skills. By supporting people to recognise their capacity for growth and recovery, we promote resilience and self-efficacy.
The benefits of a trauma-informed approach in the workplace
Working in a trauma-informed way extends beyond direct support to individuals; rather, creating a trauma-informed work culture benefits not only those with lived experience of trauma but the entire organisation.
Trauma-informed organisational practice is not just the responsibility of individuals — it must be embedded at a systemic and structural level. When institutions adopt trauma-informed practice, from the top down, it:
- Protects the wellbeing of staff, service users/participants/students and communities, reducing burnout and vicarious trauma — especially for those involved in emotionally demanding or frontline/community-facing work.
- Creates psychologically safe environments that support creativity, inclusion, and excellence.
- Aligns with safeguarding, equity, and wellbeing goals, strengthening institutional/organisational culture and reputation.
- Builds long-term organisational resilience by ensuring staff are equipped and supported in their roles.
Without leadership buy-in and systemic application, trauma-informed approaches risk being superficial or siloed. A top-down, whole-organisation approach ensures effectiveness and sustainability.
Importantly, trauma-informed organisational practices contribute to cost savings and productivity, reduce absenteeism, and improve employee retention.
