Integrating Trauma-Informed Practices into our Everyday Lives
For many of us, healing and recovering from trauma is an ongoing journey. While counselling sessions provide critical support, another challenge often lies in applying trauma-informed principles to our daily lives. Trauma-informed practices can empower us to navigate relationships, manage work stress, and engage in meaningful self-care with greater resilience. Below, we’ll explore how to incorporate these practices into our daily routines, providing practical skills to bring trauma-informed awareness into family, work, and social settings.
What is a Trauma-Informed Approach?
A trauma-informed approach recognizes that trauma affects others in many ways—emotionally, physically, and mentally. It also understands that trauma impacts how we view ourselves and interact with others. Trauma-informed practices focus on creating safety, empowering self-agency, and fostering empathy, both for ourselves and others.
Trauma-Informed Practices for Family Settings
In family environments, practising trauma-informed communication and responses can help everyone feel supported and understood. Here are a few helpful tips for family members to make interactions more trauma-sensitive.
Practice Non-Judgmental Listening: Trauma survivors often feel unheard or invalidated, so listening without judgment or trying to “fix” the issue can be incredibly supportive. Letting a family member express themselves without interruption can foster a sense of safety and trust. A simple, “I’m here for you, no matter what,” goes a long way in making them feel supported.
Set Boundaries Together: Trauma can make people sensitive to certain triggers, whether they’re related to personal space, loud noises, or certain topics. Having open discussions about boundaries within the family helps everyone feel more comfortable. For example, if a family member needs quiet time after work, respecting that need without asking too many questions can help them recharge in a safe environment.
Model Self-Compassion: Trauma can lead to negative self-talk. Modelling self-compassion in family life—saying things like, “It’s okay to make mistakes; we’re all learning”—encourages everyone to be kinder to themselves.
Bringing Trauma-Informed Practices to the Workplace
Workplaces are complex environments where we interact with people from all backgrounds, often under high levels of stress. Trauma-informed approaches in the workplace can improve teamwork, reduce misunderstandings, and create a healthier environment.
Mindful Communication: In high-stress situations, it’s easy for conversations to become reactive. Practicing mindful communication—speaking slowly, being clear, and avoiding assumptions—can prevent unnecessary stress for those affected by trauma. For instance, using “I” statements like, “I feel that this deadline might be challenging to meet,” rather than, “You’re putting too much pressure on us,” reduces defensiveness and invites collaboration.
Respect Personal Boundaries: Not everyone is comfortable with spontaneous meetings or being called out in front of a group. Trauma-informed workplaces acknowledge that personal boundaries are important. Checking in with colleagues and asking, “Is this a good time to talk?” or allowing people to pass on non-critical meetings respects individual needs and minimizes stress.
Offer Autonomy Where Possible: Trauma survivors often feel a loss of control. Providing choices in the workplace, like flexibility in task completion or opportunities for self-directed projects, can empower them. When employees feel they have some control over their tasks, they’re more likely to feel safe and engaged.
Trauma-Informed Practices in Social Settings
Navigating social situations can be tricky for trauma survivors who may feel overwhelmed in certain environments. Here are ways to approach social interactions with trauma-informed awareness:
Be Aware of Sensory Sensitivities: Trauma survivors can be sensitive to sensory overload. If you’re organizing a social gathering, consider offering a quiet space for people who may need a break. Alternatively, if a friend seems uncomfortable in a crowded or loud setting, suggesting a quieter place to talk privately can make a big difference.
Allow for “Opt-Outs” Without Pressure: Trauma survivors may need to decline social activities due to feeling overwhelmed or simply needing downtime. When inviting someone to an event, give them the freedom to say “no” without pressure. Saying something like, “Feel free to join if you’re up for it, but no worries if you can’t make it,” removes any obligation and allows them to protect their energy.
Validate Their Experience: Trauma can make people feel isolated. If a friend shares a difficult experience or says they’re struggling, a validating response—like, “That sounds really tough; I’m sorry you’re going through that”—can help them feel understood and connected.
Trauma-Informed Self-Care
For individuals who have experienced trauma, self-care is not just a luxury—it’s an essential part of healing. Incorporating trauma-informed self-care practices can help rebuild a sense of safety and resilience.
Create a Safe Space at Home: Trauma often disrupts one’s sense of safety, so it’s important to have a dedicated area where you feel secure and comfortable. This could be as simple as a cozy corner with a blanket, soft lighting, and calming scents. Having a go-to space for relaxation can provide comfort on challenging days.
Engage in Grounding Exercises: Grounding exercises, such as box breathing (plenty of YouTube clips to help guide you), focusing on the senses (like noticing five things you can see or hear), or engaging in gentle movement like stretching, can help bring calm to the body and mind. These practices are easy to incorporate into daily life and can quickly reduce feelings of stress or anxiety.
Practice Self-Compassion: Trauma survivors often have a harsh inner critic. Practising self-compassion, by talking to yourself with kindness and patience, can help counteract negative self-talk. Try to treat yourself as you would a close friend, offering understanding and encouragement rather than criticism.
By integrating these trauma-informed approaches into our lives, we can create an environment that nurtures healing and understanding. Trauma-informed living isn’t about doing everything perfectly; it’s about fostering safety, empathy, and respect—qualities that can make all the difference on the journey to our best possible lives.