What Does It Mean to Be “Trauma-Informed”?
Trauma-Informed Means You’re Seen
Being trauma-informed isn’t a trend—it’s a commitment to safety, choice, and compassion in every step of care.
Understanding the Heart Behind a Common Therapeutic Phrase
By Nutbrown Counselling
If you’ve ever searched for a therapist, social worker, doctor, or yoga instructor, you may have noticed the phrase “trauma-informed” showing up more and more. But what does it actually mean when a professional says they are trauma-informed? Is it just a buzzword—or does it reflect something deeper?
Let’s take a closer look at what being trauma-informed really involves, why it matters, and how it can help you feel safer and more supported in care.
A Simple Definition
To be trauma-informed means that a professional understands that many people have experienced trauma, and that trauma can shape how someone relates to others, navigates the world, and receives support. Rather than focusing on “what’s wrong with you,” trauma-informed care asks:
“What has happened to you—and how can I support you with compassion?”
This approach is not about treating trauma specifically (that’s trauma-specific care). It’s about creating safety, offering choice, and being mindful that trauma can impact anyone, regardless of what they look like on the outside.
The Core Principles of Trauma-Informed Care
Most trauma-informed frameworks are built around a few key principles. These may look a little different depending on the setting (therapy, medicine, education, etc.), but they share a similar heart:
1. Safety
A trauma-informed space prioritizes physical, emotional, and psychological safety. Clients are supported at their own pace, with clear boundaries and consent practices.
2. Trustworthiness and Transparency
Professionals are honest about what clients can expect, clarify limits of confidentiality, and follow through on what they say. There are no surprises—just steady, respectful connection.
3. Choice and Collaboration
Clients are seen as the experts of their own experience. A trauma-informed provider offers options, explains choices, and invites feedback rather than imposing decisions.
4. Empowerment and Strength-Based Support
Trauma can leave people feeling powerless. A trauma-informed lens helps clients reconnect with their own strengths, values, and voice—building resilience, not dependency.
5. Cultural Humility and Responsiveness
Trauma doesn’t affect everyone the same way. Trauma-informed professionals actively reflect on their own biases, honour diverse lived experiences, and commit to inclusive, anti-oppressive practice.
💡 Why It Matters
Being trauma-informed isn’t just about how a professional speaks—it’s about how they see you. Many people who have experienced trauma also carry shame, mistrust, or fear about opening up. A trauma-informed approach helps reduce the risk of re-traumatization and fosters an environment where healing can actually begin.
You don’t need to have a trauma history for trauma-informed care to benefit you—it’s an approach that supports everyone, regardless of their past.
Trauma-Informed ≠ Trauma-Specific
It’s important to know the difference:
Trauma-informed professionals are aware of the impacts of trauma and adjust their practices accordingly.
Trauma-specific professionals are trained to directly treat trauma using modalities like EMDR, somatic therapy, or prolonged exposure.
At Nutbrown Counselling, all care is trauma-informed—and many sessions may also involve trauma-specific therapy, depending on your goals and readiness.
Final Thoughts
When a professional says they are trauma-informed, they are making a commitment to see the whole person, not just symptoms or behaviours. It means they aim to walk beside you—not lead from above—with care, humility, and safety at the centre.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, dismissed, or unsafe in care, you’re not alone—and you deserve something better.
Warmly,
Nutbrown Counselling
In-person & virtual counselling in Kelowna, BC
🌐 www.nutbrowncounselling.com
📅 Book a Session
References
British Columbia Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health. (2017). Trauma-, violence-informed approaches in practice: A toolkit. https://bccewh.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/2017_TIP-Toolkit.pdf
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. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcop.20063
Fallot, R. D., & Harris, M. (2009). Creating cultures of trauma-informed care (CCTIC): A self-assessment and planning protocol. Community Connections. https://www.theannainstitute.org/CCTICSELFASSPP.pdf
Knight, C. (2015). Trauma-informed social work practice: Practice considerations and challenges. Clinical Social Work Journal, 43(1), 25–37. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-014-0481-6
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). SAMHSA’s concept of trauma and guidance for a trauma-informed approach (HHS Publication No. SMA14-4884). https://ncsacw.acf.hhs.gov/userfiles/files/SAMHSA_Trauma.pdf
Disclaimer:
The content of this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a mental health condition.
Nutbrown Counselling is a Canadian counselling practice offering services within the counsellor’s professional scope and jurisdiction. Any use of the information in this post is at your own discretion and risk.