Understand trauma-informed principles
Trauma-informed principles help us understand the impact that trauma can have in the communities where we work. There are six trauma-informed principles that guide a trauma-informed approach (SAMHSA, 2014). Click here to learn more.
Building on these principles, Trauma-Transformed developed the following principles for Trauma-Informed Systems (TIS).
Create a space to develop shared understandings
The impact of trauma is widespread.
Many people we interact with on a daily basis experience trauma.
We may have our own experiences of trauma.
These experiences can shape a person's perspective and relationships.
To learn more about the impact of trauma, please visit the module: Trauma 101.
Establish common ground
Create places where people feel safe
Nurture relationships that support healing.
Support each other and work towards similar goals
Grow partnerships that will support our work.
Adopting a trauma-informed approach
Here are ways teams can commit to these principles:
Recognize our own trauma, beliefs, biases and strengths.
Promote safe, stable, and trusting relationships.
Create dependable, healthy, and compassionate places of work.
Empower others.
Listen for stories that hold trauma in place or support healing.
Provide spaces for recovery to happen.
Meet people where they are at.
Develop more inclusive spaces.
Promote curiosity and open-mindedness.
Expand understanding of TIPs with partners
Talk about how you understand each principle.
Explore how these principles could look like in practice.
Discuss potentially complicated issues.
Develop shared language.
Create a document to promote mutual understanding.
Establish regular learning and check-in meetings.
Use the following template to imagine how the principles could look in practice. Printable version here .
For a detailed explanation of these principles look here.
En Español aquí, para más información aquí.
To refresh or learn more about the trauma-informed approaches, please visit the module: Trauma Informed Approaches.