Trauma-Informed Care and Healing Practices
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in Feminist Therapy course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Advanced Certificate in Feminist Therapy #
Advanced Certificate in Feminist Therapy
The Advanced Certificate in Feminist Therapy is a specialized program that focus… #
This certificate equips therapists with the tools to understand how social, political, and cultural factors impact mental health and well-being. It emphasizes empowering clients, challenging traditional gender roles, and promoting social justice.
Anxiety #
Anxiety
Anxiety is a common mental health condition characterized by feelings of worry,… #
People with anxiety may experience physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and trembling. Trauma survivors often experience anxiety as a result of their past experiences. Trauma-informed care recognizes the impact of trauma on anxiety and aims to provide support and interventions that are sensitive to this aspect.
Boundaries #
Boundaries
Boundaries refer to the limits that individuals set for themselves in relationsh… #
Healthy boundaries are essential for maintaining emotional and psychological well-being. In trauma-informed care, establishing and respecting boundaries is crucial to creating a safe and supportive environment for survivors. Therapists must be mindful of boundaries and ensure that they are clear and consistent in their interactions with clients.
Complex Trauma #
Complex Trauma
Complex trauma refers to exposure to multiple traumatic events, often of an inte… #
Examples of complex trauma include childhood abuse, neglect, and domestic violence. Individuals who have experienced complex trauma may exhibit a range of symptoms, including difficulties with emotion regulation, interpersonal relationships, and self-esteem. Trauma-informed care recognizes the unique challenges faced by individuals with complex trauma histories and emphasizes the need for specialized interventions and support.
Cultural Competence #
Cultural Competence
Cultural competence refers to the ability to understand, respect, and effectivel… #
In the context of trauma-informed care, cultural competence is essential for providing sensitive and appropriate support to survivors. Therapists must be aware of how culture influences a person's experience of trauma, help-seeking behaviors, and healing practices. Culturally competent care involves recognizing and addressing the impact of systemic oppression and discrimination on mental health.
Empowerment #
Empowerment
Empowerment is the process of enabling individuals to assert control over their… #
In trauma-informed care, empowerment is a central tenet that focuses on helping survivors regain a sense of agency and autonomy. Therapists support survivors in developing coping skills, setting goals, and accessing resources to promote their well-being. Empowerment-based approaches emphasize collaboration, respect, and validation of survivors' experiences.
Feminist Therapy #
Feminist Therapy
Feminist therapy is an approach to counseling that centers on understanding and… #
Feminist therapists challenge traditional notions of gender roles and strive to create a therapeutic space that is inclusive, empowering, and non-judgmental. Feminist therapy emphasizes the importance of social justice, intersectionality, and the validation of diverse experiences. The Advanced Certificate in Feminist Therapy equips therapists with the skills to practice from a feminist perspective.
Healing Practices #
Healing Practices
Healing practices are techniques, rituals, and interventions that promote emotio… #
In trauma-informed care, healing practices are tailored to the needs and preferences of survivors and may include mindfulness, art therapy, somatic experiencing, and narrative therapy. Healing practices aim to help survivors process their trauma, build resilience, and restore a sense of wholeness. Therapists use a strengths-based approach to support survivors in their healing journey.
Intersectionality #
Intersectionality
Intersectionality is a concept that recognizes the interconnected nature of soci… #
In trauma-informed care, intersectionality is essential for understanding the unique challenges faced by individuals with multiple marginalized identities. Therapists must be mindful of how intersecting forms of discrimination impact survivors' mental health and well-being. Intersectional approaches to care aim to address the complex and multifaceted needs of survivors.
Post #
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post #
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop in response to experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD may include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance of trauma-related triggers. Trauma survivors with PTSD may also experience difficulties with mood regulation, sleep, and concentration. Trauma-informed care recognizes the impact of PTSD on survivors' lives and emphasizes the need for trauma-specific interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
Resilience #
Resilience
Resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity, trauma, and s… #
Trauma survivors demonstrate resilience by drawing on their strengths, coping skills, and support systems to overcome challenges and rebuild their lives. Trauma-informed care acknowledges the resilience of survivors and aims to foster their innate capacity for healing and growth. Therapists support survivors in developing resilience by promoting self-care, positive coping strategies, and connections with others.
Self #
Care
Self #
care refers to activities and practices that individuals engage in to promote their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. In trauma-informed care, self-care is essential for survivors to cope with the effects of trauma and prevent burnout. Therapists encourage survivors to prioritize self-care by engaging in activities that bring them joy, relaxation, and comfort. Self-care practices may include exercise, meditation, journaling, spending time in nature, and seeking social support.
Social Justice #
Social Justice
Social justice is the pursuit of equality, fairness, and human rights for all in… #
In trauma-informed care, social justice is a guiding principle that aims to address the root causes of trauma, such as systemic racism, sexism, and poverty. Therapists advocate for social justice by challenging inequitable systems and policies, promoting diversity and inclusion, and supporting survivors in accessing resources and services. Social justice-oriented approaches to care prioritize empowerment, advocacy, and community engagement.
Survivor #
Centered Care
Survivor #
centered care is an approach to supporting trauma survivors that prioritizes their needs, preferences, and autonomy. In survivor-centered care, survivors are viewed as experts on their own experiences, and therapists collaborate with them to develop personalized treatment plans. Therapists create a safe and trusting environment where survivors feel empowered to share their stories, express their emotions, and participate in decisions about their care. Survivor-centered care respects survivors' boundaries, choices, and cultural beliefs, promoting a sense of agency and control.
Therapeutic Alliance #
Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the collaborative and trusting relationship b… #
A strong therapeutic alliance is essential for effective therapy and positive treatment outcomes. In trauma-informed care, building a therapeutic alliance with survivors is crucial for establishing safety, trust, and rapport. Therapists use empathy, active listening, and validation to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where survivors feel heard and understood. The therapeutic alliance is a key factor in promoting healing and growth in survivors' recovery journey.
Trauma #
Trauma
Trauma refers to an event or series of events that are physically or emotionally… #
Types of trauma include interpersonal violence, natural disasters, accidents, and loss. Trauma can have a profound impact on a person's mental health, relationships, and sense of self. Trauma-informed care recognizes the prevalence and complexity of trauma and emphasizes the need for compassionate, sensitive, and empowering support for survivors. Therapists use trauma-specific interventions to help survivors process their experiences, build resilience, and restore a sense of safety and trust.
Trauma #
Informed Care
Trauma #
informed care is an approach to supporting individuals who have experienced trauma that emphasizes safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment. Trauma-informed care recognizes the impact of trauma on survivors' lives and seeks to create environments that are sensitive, validating, and healing. Key principles of trauma-informed care include understanding the prevalence and impact of trauma, promoting safety and trust, respecting survivors' autonomy and choices, and addressing the underlying causes of trauma. Trauma-informed care is essential for providing effective and ethical support to survivors across diverse settings, including mental health services, healthcare, education, and social services.
Trigger #
Trigger
A trigger is a stimulus or reminder that evokes a strong emotional or physical r… #
Triggers can be sensory (e.g., sights, sounds, smells), emotional (e.g., feelings of fear, shame, or anger), or situational (e.g., specific locations or events). Trauma survivors may experience triggers that bring up memories, sensations, or emotions associated with their traumatic experiences. In trauma-informed care, therapists help survivors identify their triggers, develop coping strategies, and create safety plans to manage triggers effectively. Therapists also work to create trigger-sensitive environments that minimize the risk of retraumatization and promote healing.
Vicarious Trauma #
Vicarious Trauma
Vicarious trauma, also known as secondary trauma or compassion fatigue, refers t… #
Therapists, first responders, and other helping professionals may absorb the trauma narratives of their clients and develop symptoms similar to those of trauma survivors. Vicarious trauma can manifest as feelings of burnout, emotional exhaustion, empathy fatigue, and decreased sense of personal accomplishment. In trauma-informed care, therapists are mindful of the risk of vicarious trauma and engage in self-care practices, supervision, and peer support to prevent and address its effects. Therapists also seek ongoing training and professional development to enhance their resilience and well-being.
Wellness #
Wellness
Wellness refers to a holistic approach to health that encompasses physical, emot… #
In trauma-informed care, wellness is a key component of healing and recovery for survivors. Therapists support survivors in developing wellness practices that promote self-care, resilience, and balance in their lives. Wellness practices may include mindfulness, exercise, nutrition, social connection, and creative expression. By focusing on wellness, therapists help survivors cultivate strengths, cope with challenges, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Yoga #
Yoga
Yoga is a mind #
body practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to promote relaxation, flexibility, and mindfulness. In trauma-informed care, yoga is used as a complementary therapy to support survivors in their healing journey. Yoga can help trauma survivors regulate their emotions, reduce stress, and increase body awareness. Trauma-informed yoga classes are adapted to be safe, empowering, and sensitive to survivors' needs. Yoga practices such as gentle movements, breathing exercises, and guided relaxation can help survivors connect with their bodies, release tension, and cultivate a sense of calm and balance.