What You Can Do

Everyone Can Be Trauma-Informed

Even if you haven’t been affected by trauma personally, statistics show you know someone who has. And while we are extremely grateful for all the doctors, social workers, police officers and other first responders in our communities who are trained and provide trauma-informed care, absolutely anyone can use these skills to help someone.

Trauma-informed simply means you’re aware of the effects that damaging and stressful situations can have on people, and you’re sensitive and intentional about your everyday actions.

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6 Values of Trauma-Informed Care

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has created six principles of a trauma-informed approach to help survivors with resiliency and recovery. These can be used in nearly every situation by almost anyone:

1. Safety: Do no harm and be compassionate.

2. Trustworthiness: Be transparent, honest and true to your word.

3. Peer support: Help survivors feel less isolated and alone.

4. Collaboration: Employ an inclusive approach.

5. Empowerment: Offer survivors choices and control, and opportunities for self-esteem and skill building.

6. Cultural, historical and gender sensitivity: Maintain respect always.

“Trauma-informed and culturally competent care means good quality, compassionate, empathic, and attuned care.”

— Laura S. Brown, Ph.D, Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Author and Speaker

other trauma-informed resources