01 · Foundations
A shared vocabulary for the work — how trauma shows up, and how clear limits become a form of care.
Affects large numbers of people.
Impacts groups with structural or social consequences — includes cultural, racial, and historical/generational trauma.
Affects a particular group (e.g., military, first responders, LGBTQI+ community).
Affects multiple members within a family.
Affects one person.
Key assumption
Understanding how trauma can affect individuals, families, groups, and communities — and that it's integral to all human service sectors.
Key assumption
Recognizing signs of trauma through screening, supervision, workforce development, and employee assistance.
Key assumption
Applying trauma-informed principles across policies, procedures, staffing, and culture to support psychologically and physically safer environments.
Key assumption
Knowing how policies and practices can inadvertently trigger traumatic experiences — and acknowledging trauma in all operations.
A four-step practice for staying grounded when boundaries are tested.
Validate the person's experience.
State the reality or expectation, clearly.
Collaborate on the next step together.
Follow through with consistency.