An approach that assumes many clients have trauma histories and actively works to avoid re-traumatizing them.
In the context of addiction treatment:
Staff focus on safety, choice, trust, collaboration, and empowerment instead of control and shame.
What to know:
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Trauma-informed programs don’t force people to retell every trauma detail; they move at the client’s pace.
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This approach is vital because trauma is extremely common among people in treatment.
Example:
A trauma-informed group leader offers grounding exercises and lets clients opt out of certain discussions when they feel overwhelmed.