Many of us carry wounds from the past—some we recognize, and others that show up in ways we don’t always expect. Trauma isn’t just about what happened; it’s about how those experiences continue to shape how we move through the world. That’s why trauma-informed care is so important.
Trauma-informed therapy shifts the focus from asking, “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”—creating a space where your experiences are honored, not judged.
What is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-informed care is an approach to therapy that recognizes the impact of trauma on mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It’s not just about treating symptoms—it’s about understanding how past experiences shape present challenges and creating a path toward healing that feels safe and empowering. (research)
Rather than assuming everyone’s experience is the same, trauma-informed therapy is built on principles of safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. It acknowledges that trauma can come from a variety of experiences—abuse, loss, systemic oppression, or even medical trauma—and that healing looks different for everyone.
Why It Matters in Therapy
1. Trauma is More Common Than We Think
Most people have experienced some form of trauma, whether childhood adversity, a painful relationship, or systemic discrimination. Research shows that nearly two-thirds of adults report at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE), which can impact mental and physical health in adulthood (research). Trauma-informed therapy helps make sense of these patterns and supports healing at the root level.
2. Traditional Therapy Can Sometimes Miss the Mark
Not all therapy approaches account for the way trauma shapes emotions, behaviors, and relationships. Traditional therapy can sometimes move too quickly, push clients to relive painful experiences before they’re ready, or unintentionally invalidate their experiences. A trauma-informed therapist moves at your pace, helping you process experiences safely without feeling overwhelmed or retraumatized (research).
3. It Helps You Rebuild Safety and Trust
Trauma can make it hard to feel safe, even in spaces that are meant to support healing. It can also make it difficult to trust others, including therapists. A trauma-informed approach centers your comfort, ensuring you feel in control of the process. Therapy should never feel like something happening to you—it should feel like a space where you have agency (research).
4. Healing is About More Than Just Coping Skills
A trauma-informed approach doesn’t just teach tools for managing anxiety or depression—it helps you understand how your nervous system responds to stress, how past experiences may be shaping your present, and what your mind and body need to feel safe. It’s about reconnecting with yourself in a way that feels grounding and empowering (research).
5. It Acknowledges Systemic and Cultural Trauma
For many, trauma isn’t just personal—it’s generational, cultural, and systemic. Experiences of racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression can create deep wounds that therapy should acknowledge and address. Trauma-informed care recognizes these layers, ensuring therapy is not only validating but also actively inclusive (research).
What to Look for in a Trauma-Informed Therapist
A trauma-informed therapist will:
- Prioritize safety and trust in every session
- Validate your experiences without judgment
- Move at a pace that feels comfortable for you
- Use empowerment-focused language
- Recognize how systemic factors impact trauma
Final Thoughts
Healing from trauma isn’t about “fixing” yourself—it’s about creating space for the parts of you that need care and understanding. Trauma-informed therapy is about meeting yourself with compassion, feeling safe enough to explore what’s beneath the surface, and knowing you don’t have to navigate it alone.
If you’re looking for a space that centers safety, trust, and empowerment, we’re here to support you. Healing is possible, and you deserve to experience it in a way that honors your story.
- Bloom, S. L. (2013). Creating sanctuary: Toward the evolution of sane societies. Routledge.
- Brave Heart, M. Y. H., Chase, J., Elkins, J., & Altschul, D. B. (2011). Historical trauma among Indigenous peoples of the Americas: Concepts, research, and clinical considerations. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 43(4), 282-290.
- Elliott, D. E., Bjelajac, P., Fallot, R. D., Markoff, L. S., & Reed, B. G. (2005). Trauma-informed or trauma-denied: Principles and implementation of trauma-informed services for women. Journal of Community Psychology, 33(4), 461-477.
- Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V., Koss, M. P., & Marks, J. S. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245-258.
