"Is trauma-informed just about being sweet, nice, & kind"- Karen Treisman & Mandy Davis discuss.

Summary

In this engaging discussion, the speakers explore the true meaning of trauma-informed care, emphasizing that it goes beyond just being 'nice.' They stress the importance of authenticity, compassion, and understanding in trauma-informed practices, highlighting that difficult decisions, like removing a child from a home or firing someone, can still be done in a compassionate and mindful way. The conversation also touches on the need for professionals to understand the 'why' behind their actions, with an emphasis on being aware of individual needs and showing empathy in varied roles within organizations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Trauma-informed care is not just about being nice or sweet; it requires a deeper understanding of trauma and its impact on individuals.
• 😀 Being nice can sometimes dilute the effectiveness of trauma-informed care, which relies on evidence-based practices rooted in neurobiology and brain development.
• 😀 Difficult actions, such as removing a child from their home or firing someone, can still be trauma-informed if approached with compassion and awareness of the emotional impact.
• 😀 Trauma-informed care is about recognizing and mitigating harm, not avoiding uncomfortable or painful situations.
• 😀 Compassionate care doesn't always look like kindness or warmth. It often involves directness and clarity, especially when providing information during times of stress or trauma.
• 😀 The superficiality of kindness, sometimes referred to as toxic positivity, can mask the reality of trauma and avoid addressing the real emotional needs of individuals.
• 😀 Authenticity is a key component of trauma-informed care. It involves engaging with people in a real, human way rather than simply covering up pain with a smile.
• 😀 Everyone has a role in trauma-informed care, and you don't need to be labeled as 'sweet' or 'huggy' to provide it effectively. Direct and informative communication can be just as valuable.
• 😀 Trauma-informed care requires being present, acknowledging pain, and making difficult decisions with the intention to reduce harm and provide support.
• 😀 The importance of being seen, heard, and understood is at the core of trauma-informed practices. These moments of connection, even from staff without formal trauma training, can be pivotal for individuals experiencing trauma.

Q & A

Why is trauma-informed care not just about being nice?

Trauma-informed care is not just about being nice because it involves understanding the complexities of trauma, such as dissociation, dysregulation, and neurobiology. Simply being nice can dilute the knowledge and values behind trauma-informed practices, which require a deeper understanding of human behavior and emotional responses.

What is the danger of equating trauma-informed care with being sweet and nice?

Equating trauma-informed care with just being sweet and nice risks oversimplifying its core principles. It can lead to the misunderstanding that trauma care is only about offering comfort, when in fact it involves tough, sometimes painful decisions made with compassion and respect, without avoiding difficult truths.

How can trauma-informed care be applied in situations that are inherently difficult, such as removing a child from their parent?

Trauma-informed care can be applied even in painful situations by focusing on how the decision is made, ensuring it's done with respect, empathy, and clear communication. Even when harm is inevitable, the approach can reduce additional trauma by being attuned to the emotional impact and making decisions in a compassionate way.

What role does authenticity play in trauma-informed care?

Authenticity is crucial in trauma-informed care because it ensures that individuals are genuinely seen and heard. Authenticity helps avoid toxic positivity or superficial interactions and fosters an environment where people feel understood and respected, which is key to healing trauma.

Why is it important for individuals to understand the 'why' behind trauma-informed care?

Understanding the 'why' behind trauma-informed care allows individuals to apply the principles more effectively. It helps people see beyond the surface actions and understand the rationale for their behaviors, improving their ability to engage with others compassionately and supportively.

How can people who are not 'naturally sweet' still practice trauma-informed care?

People who are not 'naturally sweet' can still practice trauma-informed care by being compassionate, direct, and informed. It's about recognizing that trauma care is not about personality traits but about understanding trauma responses and being intentional in how we communicate and act.

What is the issue with the idea of 'nice' when it comes to trauma-informed care?

The issue with the idea of 'nice' in trauma-informed care is that it can mask the reality of difficult situations. Being 'nice' may avoid uncomfortable conversations or tough decisions, but trauma-informed care requires facing challenging situations head-on with empathy and integrity, not just politeness.

How does trauma-informed care relate to systems of power and authority, like in law enforcement or leadership roles?

In systems of power and authority, trauma-informed care emphasizes the importance of how actions are carried out. For example, in law enforcement, the process of arresting someone should be done with respect and awareness of the individual's trauma, ensuring that their humanity is recognized, even in difficult situations.

What is the connection between trauma-informed care and customer service in organizations?

The connection between trauma-informed care and customer service is that both require empathy, attentiveness, and the ability to engage with people in a way that acknowledges their needs and challenges. Staff who interact with clients or students can practice trauma-informed care by recognizing underlying trauma responses, even if they lack formal training.

What does the conversation suggest about the importance of leadership in implementing trauma-informed practices?

Leadership plays a crucial role in implementing trauma-informed practices by setting the tone for how tough decisions are made and ensuring that staff have the support and training they need to understand trauma and apply trauma-informed principles. Leaders must balance difficult decisions with compassion and awareness.