Being a trauma informed therapist means we understand that feelings of shame, guilt, regret or remorse are not easily replaced with different thought patterns. We need to go deeper and it is a delicate dance of trust between the client and the therapist. Developing a strong therapeutic relationship that exemplifies values of physical and emotional safety, trust and authenticity are important factors for efficacious trauma informed care. At Family Life we seek to honor the client in every session by tailoring interventions that are uniquely beneficial to the individual. Interventions are created by understanding each client’s trauma history, triggers and specific needs to experience successful treatment.

Trauma is not a one size fits all experience. Everyone responds differently to trauma. Some traumas are bigger than others and some traumas are seemingly smaller than others but can have just as difficult an impact. We all have a unique nervous system and process information differently so trauma is categorically different for each individual. This is why at Family Life your story is uniquely important as it helps tailor an approach to therapy that suits you.

Trauma can be personally experienced at any time of life or witnessed thereby making it vicarious trauma. In terms of assessing trauma for children, Adverse Childhood Experiences or (ACE scores) is a helpful tool to understand the gravity of trauma an individual has been exposed to or has experienced.