In the realm of mental health and therapy in New Zealand, the term 'trauma-informed' is frequently used, but its precise meaning can be elusive. In this article, we will delve into the core principles that guide trauma-informed practitioners and explore essential aspects of this approach. For those searching for psychologists or therapy services in New Zealand, understanding what it means to be trauma-informed is crucial to finding the right support.
1. Client Agency as a Priority
Traditionally, mental health practices have often positioned the therapist as an "expert" while viewing the client as deficient and in need of the therapist's expertise. This unequal power dynamic can feel disempowering for clients and fails to recognize the shared humanity of both practitioner and client. It is essential to acknowledge that clients possess valuable knowledge about themselves, their contexts, and their strengths. Effective therapy recognizes the equal importance of both sets of knowledge in achieving desired outcomes.
2. Restoring Agency in Healing
Individuals who have experienced trauma or challenging life events often grapple with a sense of lost agency during those times. Part of the healing process involves rediscovering a sense of power over their experiences and the restoration of their agency, mana, or integrity. This journey towards healing is at the heart of what trauma-informed practitioners aim to facilitate.
3. Replacing Judgment with Curiosity
A trauma-informed approach invites us to understand that every individual is trying their best with the knowledge and resources available to them. This perspective encourages curiosity over judgment. When we judge, we narrow our perspectives, assuming we already "know" something about a person. In contrast, curiosity fosters understanding and opens the door to seeing the true feelings and intentions of others. It acknowledges that judgment often serves as a defence mechanism against uncomfortable feelings.
4. The Interconnectedness of Human Health and Context
Trauma-informed care recognizes the intricate relationship between an individual's well-being and the contexts in which they have had to adapt and survive. We all strive to feel "good inside" as biological beings. When we experience discomfort, our bodies motivate us to find ways to alleviate it. How we cope depends on our resources, developmental stage, and past experiences. Understanding this connection helps explain how certain habits become deeply ingrained and may persist even when our circumstances change.
As a clinician, I am deeply passionate about the trauma-informed approach. If you are curious to experience this approach for yourself, please don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can explore how trauma-informed care can be a valuable resource on your journey to healing and personal growth.
Comments