Chapter 3 – Introduction
The goal of this chapter is to take a look at Trauma and the complexity of it. Mention the word Trauma and most of us will think of conflict/war, challenging or difficult situations that you have encountered. Trauma is the response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, diminishes their sense of self and their ability to feel a full range of emotions and experiences. It does not discriminate, it is pervasive throughout the world and can be different for everyone. It is often discussed in the media, to describe some childhoods or marginalization of vulnerable groups. Trauma is not the same thing as loss, it is more complex.
With each individual that we work with, we come to realize that there are many different pieces in each person’s life. Their journey with Trauma is as individual as they are.
It is important to take a look at what Trauma-Informed means in Theory, Practice, how if affects both the individuals as well as service providers. There is such differences between being Trauma-Informed and working with Trauma-Specific Practices.
We will explore many topics and perhaps come up with more questions than answers, but with the many layers of Trauma experience by individuals there is not a simple answer. This is why we are exploring working with those who have Trauma as well as becoming Trauma-informed.
Trauma Specific Practices are an intricate part of being Trauma-informed and we will also learn what these are and add to our knowledge base along the way.
We will discuss Trauma Informed Care (Ch 3.1), Trauma Informed in Theory (Ch 3.2), Trauma Informed Practice (Ch 3.3), Trauma Informed Clients’ Rights (Ch 3.4), Trauma Informed Diverse Clients’ Groups (Ch 3.5), Trauma Informed of Childhood Trauma (Ch 3.6), Trauma Informed Practice for Indigenous Groups (Ch 3.7), Trauma Informed for Incarcerated (Ch 3.8), Integrated Screening, Assessment and Training in Trauma Informed Care (Ch 3.9) and Vicarious Trauma (Ch 3.10).
