Trauma is more common than most people realize. That’s exactly why Trauma Informed Care (TIC) has grown in popularity in recent years. It is a practice based on the awareness of trauma and recognizes the signs and symptoms of it while responding with practices that weaken the effects of trauma over time. A TIC specialist will focus more on what happened to you throughout your life rather than trying to immediately assume something is “wrong” with you.
If you’ve felt like something has been missing for a long time or even asked yourself what’s wrong, you could be dealing with unresolved trauma. TIC takes the approach of working through that trauma from an understanding perspective, so you can feel safe and empowered as you move forward.
What Are the Benefits of Trauma-Informed Care?
A trauma-informed approach benefits both patients and providers in a variety of ways. It can be difficult for people with trauma to open up to healthcare providers or even therapists simply because those people aren’t taking the right approach. Trauma-informed care offers the opportunity for more engagement.
A TIC provider assumes that the patient is coming in with a history of trauma or that they’ve survived a traumatic event. That assumption puts the provider and patient in the right frame of mind to address the problem and move forward. When you know that there’s not something wrong with you and your struggles are a product of your trauma, it’s easier to open up. That can provide a sense of comfort and empowerment right away.
What Are the Principles of TIC?
The basic principles of TIC in just about any healthcare setting include the following:
Safety
Transparency
Peer support
Collaboration
Empowerment
Responsiveness
Using these principles, how exactly does trauma-informed care work? A lot of it has to do with involving the patient in the treatment process. When you know you have a voice, you can help to drive the direction of your care plan, building your confidence and showing you that you can absolutely be stronger than the trauma you’ve experienced.
Treating Trauma Patients
Finally, the right type of therapy needs to be implemented with a TIC approach. Again, this is something you can have input in and provide feedback for as a patient. Your therapist can still lead the way and guide you throughout the treatment process, but it’s important to know that your words and emotions will always be valid and respected.
Trauma-informed care can also have to do with the environment. A TIC-friendly practice should welcome patients and ensure they have everything they need. They should be consistent with their schedules and maintain active communication. Additionally, they should provide a safe space by monitoring everyone who enters and leaves the building and keeping noise levels low.
Trauma patients all experience different symptoms. It’s essential for a TIC practice or provider to understand the physical and social-emotional triggers that could make a person’s traumatic experience worse before they’re able to get the help they deserve.
The Future of TIC
There’s a reason why so many healthcare facilities across the country are adopting TIC-friendly practices. It’s effective, comforting, and can help almost anyone feel safe and seen if they’ve been through a traumatic event.
However, you don’t have to go to your local hospital or wait for something “extreme” to happen before seeking out help. If you want to know more about trauma-informed care and how it can help to empower you, don’t hesitate to reach out for information. I’m happy to set up an appointment, and we’ll start on your journey of healing and growing together with PTSD Treatment.