It’s vitally important to be a trauma-informed clinician, but we shouldn’t confuse trauma-informed with trauma-trained. The distinction matters, for both therapists and patients.
The distinction between trauma-informed and trauma-trained matters, for both therapists and patients. In this day and age, it can feel like there are more sources of trauma than ever. From climate disasters and interpersonal violence to everyday incidents and accidents, it makes sense that “trauma” has become something of a buzzword in the modern lexicon.
Now,That’s why it’s never been more important to be a trauma-informed clinician. Approaching patients with an understanding of how trauma works and how past wounds can shape present struggles is table stakes in modern society. But we shouldn’t confuse trauma-informed with trauma-trained. The distinction matters—not just for therapists, but for the patients who rely on them. It can be hard enough knowing where to start withTo start, let’s define “trauma-informed” versus “trauma-trained.” A trauma-informed therapist is one who understands that trauma is common and can shape a person’s behavior, emotions, and relationships. Trauma might impact how a client shows up in therapy or in their everyday life, and trauma-informed therapists recognize that. Rather than pushing patients to share experiences before they’re ready or making assumptions about a client’s emotions based on past trauma, trauma-informed therapists focus on practicing care that prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment. They also acknowledge and respect that many systemic and cultural factors can compound trauma, including racism, homophobia, sexism, andAlthough both trauma-informed and trauma-trained therapists should be able to diagnose trauma, trauma-trained therapists specifically specialize in treating trauma directly through first- and second-line, evidence-based treatments. Trauma-trained therapists have been through specializedand training in how trauma affects both the brain and body and how to help patients find healing and peace from their trauma. Trauma-trained therapists need an understanding of the literature and research around trauma, and how it continues to change and evolve based on new findings. The American Psychological Association recently released its, designating cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure therapy as first-line treatments, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy as second-line, and written exposure therapy as third. Trauma-trained therapists have this robust toolkit to leverage as they work with patients, and are experts at choosing the correct modality to deploy for each situation. That being said, it’s OK that not all therapists will specialize in helping patients process trauma. Just as some therapists will receive extra training in eating disorders, say, or will work with substance use disorder survivors, we can’t all be everything for everyone. And, in fact, if there’s someone who is better suited to help a patient process their trauma, it’s our responsibility as clinicians to make the referral. Collaborating with or building a referral network of specialized therapists can help ensure the safety and well-being of your patients and avoid the risks of practicing out of scope. Every therapist should approach patient care through a trauma-informed lens, but not all need to take on the role of trauma therapist. It’s worth reflecting on your role and your areas of interest to determine if specializing and training in trauma could be the right path for you.is a double board-certified, Columbia-, Cornell-, and Mount Sinai-trained adult, child & adolescent psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and co-founder of Nema Health.Life never gets easier. Fortunately, psychology is keeping up, uncovering new ways to maintain mental and physical health, and positivity and confidence, through manageable daily habits like these. How many are you ready to try?Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.
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