Question 3: Some members have mentioned feeling further traumatised by services in the mental health system. What are some of the ways we can tell if a service is trauma informed? What are some of the evidence-based approaches to recovery from trauma?
People who have experienced trauma often experience trauma which is inadvertently triggered by others including services. A trauma-informed service is one which exists for the people seeking service rather than for the service itself. It is one which holds each person at the centre of the service, shows respect for each person, in the context of their lived experience, and attuning to their diverse background and culture.
It is about being attentive to what a person needs to feel and be emotionally and environmentally safe. It is open and works to build trust with each person, through fair and equitable service and transparent clear communication. It is a service which provides each person with as many choices as possible, upholds confidentiality and privacy and supports healthy boundaries. It shares power and truly collaborates with each person to support their process of recovery, building self-determination and autonomy.
Services which are trauma-informed acknowledge the sensitivities of people with trauma experiences and this informs not only what they do but the way they do it.
It can be hard for people with trauma experiences to seek help because of prior negative experiences with services or because of the inappropriate shame many survivors take on, as well as the stigma around talking about trauma. It is important to know that there are services which can help. It might not be the first service you approach.
To read more see https://www.blueknot.org.au/Resources/Publications/Practice-Guidelines/Organisational-Guidelines
@Last-Lament, @destructive @BlueBay
