The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care: A Compassionate Approach to Healing in Online Therapy
Image taken from TEXOMA Community Center
Trauma is not about the event per se, it’s about how the person was impacted by the event and how they perceived it. Because of that, impact is dependent on the identities of the person, their background, their past experiences, their current challenges, etc. It doesn’t just affect the mind; it shapes how people see the world, relationships, and even themselves. For survivors, the way they are treated in healthcare, therapy, and support systems can either be a stepping stone to healing or a reinforcement of their pain. Many survivors, in fact, state being retraumatized by the systems that uphold harmful values and practices like the legal system. This is where trauma-informed care becomes essential.
As an online trauma therapist, I want to share why this approach matters and how it creates safer, more supportive spaces for survivors to heal. It is paramount that we use trauma-informed care in all settings and systems as an effort to create safety and foster healing for survivors of all forms of trauma.
What is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma. It assumes that most people have experienced some form of trauma in their lives and integrates this awareness into every interaction with survivors. It shifts the focus from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”—a small but powerful change that fosters understanding and compassion and disrupts shame and self-blame.
This approach is not just for therapists. It applies to medical professionals, educators, law enforcement, and even friends and family who want to support survivors in a meaningful way. In the past I have also seen trauma informed practices in tattoo parlors, hair salons, massage therapists, etc. I know these may sound out of place, but lots of survivors attempt to reclaim their bodies, power and choices through body-beautification practices. In the case of massage therapists, it may seem a little clearer why it’s important for them to be trauma-informed considering touch, closeness, and potential triggers.
Why is Trauma-Informed Care Important?
The impact of trauma may look like heightened anxiety, difficulty trusting others, or feeling unsafe even in seemingly secure environments. When care providers lack an understanding of trauma, they may unknowingly trigger distress or possibly even retraumatize someone, making it harder for survivors to seek or receive help.
A trauma-informed approach ensures that interactions:
Reduce re-traumatization by creating safe, predictable environments.
Empower survivors by giving them choices and respecting their boundaries.
Validate their experiences rather than dismissing their reactions as "overly sensitive."
Foster trust and safety, which are often negatively impacted by trauma.
The Core Principles of Trauma-Informed Care
A trauma-informed approach is guided by these key principles:
Safety – Ensuring that survivors feel physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe in their environment. Without safety, people cannot move past their triggers to be able to process their experiences or accomplish certain goals.
Trustworthiness & Transparency – Being open, honest, and consistent in interactions to build safety and trust.
Choice – Recognizing that survivors are the experts in their own experiences and one they know what’s best for them.
Collaboration – Involving survivors in decisions about their care and respecting their autonomy.
Empowerment – Supporting and validating survivors self-determination and choice.
Cultural, Historical & Gender Awareness – Recognizing that trauma is experienced differently across diverse backgrounds and identities.
How Trauma-Informed Care Makes a Difference
Let’s consider two examples of how interactions can shift when using trauma-informed care:
🚫 Traditional Approach: A dentist follows their typical process for evaluating someone, not recognizing that perhaps the closeness to someone’s face, the exploration in their mouth, and the having to relinquish control to the provider while on the chair may be experiences that are very triggering for the person.
✅ Trauma-Informed Approach: The dentist asks if the person is ready for the evaluation, does regular check ins with the person throughout the procedure, offers validation and encouragement, explicitly shares with the patient that at any point they may request a break.
🚫 Traditional Approach: A teacher scolds a student for being “lazy” when they struggle to focus in class, or maybe the student fell asleep.
✅ Trauma-Informed Approach: The teacher asks questions and explores what may be leading to the behavior. Because if we don’t ask and engage from a place of compassion, we may overlook risk factors that lead to a survivor feeling like they have no support system.
How We Can All Be Trauma-Informed
You don’t have to be a therapist to practice trauma-informed care. Small shifts in language, awareness, and compassion make a big impact:
Listen without judgment. Survivors often fear disbelief or blame.
Avoid triggering or judgmental language like “This is just what needs to be done, and you need to do it” or “It wasn’t that bad.” Even when in certain contexts there is NO choice regarding something, there ALWAYS is a choice like when we HAVE to do something, we can still choose HOW we do it.
Respect boundaries. Trauma can make physical touch, personal questions, or certain environments overwhelming. Ask about boundaries and comfortability before engaging.
Be patient. Healing isn’t linear, and survivors need time and support.
Final Thoughts
Trauma-informed care is more than a set of guidelines—it’s a shift in how we see, think and support survivors. It is culture change that is long overdue. We are responsible for fostering safety and compassion for all as well as leading the charge so ALL are treated with equity. By leading with compassion, understanding, and respect, we help create a world where healing is possible, and survivors feel safe, heard, and empowered.
If you're ready to embark on a journey of healing and personal transformation, I encourage you to reach out. I am passionate about trauma-informed care in all spaces as well as creating safety so you can process your experiences at your own pace. Please contact me to schedule a consultation and learn more about how intensives can help you achieve your goals through online therapy/virtual counseling.
I am dedicated to helping you create a life filled with greater joy, fulfillment, and resilience. Let's work together to start your healing journey.
