Implementing a Trauma-Informed Approach

Our proposal is to promote and enhance a trauma-informed approach within any organization and company, and not only in those that provide mental health services or deal with traumatized populations. On the one hand, the percentage of people that experienced traumatic events during their lives is so high that is quite possible we have several colleagues with such experiences. On the other hand, counselling wait times of six months to one year are unfortunately common across Canada.

Therefore, the workplace becomes the environment in which we can, and we should act to apply the main principles of a trauma-informed approach, which will make the workplace safer and more welcoming for everybody, with increased engagement, commitment, and productivity, while taking into account the cultural complexity and the equity, diversity and inclusion lens.

The trauma-informed approach main principles are:

• Safety

• Trustworthiness and Transparency

• Peer support

• Collaboration and mutuality

• Empowerment, voice and choice

• Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues

By looking at how the entire organization is organized, and services are delivered through a “trauma lens,” what should be done differently? The answer can be used to guide practice, policy, procedures, and even how the physical environment is structured.