Trauma-Informed Treatment and Trauma-Focused Treatment: What’s the Difference?
As you began exploring options for trauma therapy, you may have encountered technical language describing the types of therapy approaches that are recommended for your specific needs. Understanding the nuances between various approaches to addressing trauma can help you decide which treatment models are the best fit for you. In the world of trauma recovery, two commonly used phrases are "trauma-informed care" and "trauma-focused care." While they sound similar, they represent distinct methodologies in supporting individuals affected by trauma. Let's examine the differences between these two approaches and explore their unique implications.
What is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-informed care is a framework that emphasizes creating an environment of safety, trust, and understanding for individuals who have experienced trauma. It involves recognizing the widespread impact of trauma, understanding its effects on behavior and mental health, and integrating this awareness into all aspects of care.
Key Principles of Trauma-Informed Care:
Safety: Prioritizing physical and emotional safety for clients and practitioners.
Trustworthiness and Transparency: Building trust through clear communication and consistency.
Empowerment and Choice: Respecting individual autonomy and decision-making.
Collaboration and Mutuality: Fostering partnerships between clients and practitioners.
Cultural, Historical, and Gender Sensitivity: Acknowledging diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The focus of trauma-informed care is the creation of a supportive atmosphere that acknowledges the prevalence of trauma while avoiding re-traumatization. It doesn't necessarily involve directly addressing the traumatic experiences but rather ensures that services and interactions consider the potential impact of trauma on an individual's life.
What is Trauma-Focused Care?
Trauma-focused care involves specific therapeutic interventions that directly target and address the traumatic experiences themselves. This approach aims to help individuals process and heal from the effects of trauma by exploring and confronting the traumatic memories and associated emotions.
Key Components of Trauma-Focused Care:
Structured Treatment Protocols: Using evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or the Unified Protocol (UP).
Exploration of Traumatic Memories: Working through traumatic events and associated thoughts and feelings in a safe and controlled therapeutic environment.
Developing Coping Strategies: Equipping individuals with tools to manage triggers and distressing symptoms.
Promoting Healing and Integration: Supporting individuals in integrating their traumatic experiences into their life narratives in a way that promotes healing and growth.
Unlike trauma-informed care, trauma-focused care directly addresses the traumatic experiences themselves through targeted therapeutic techniques.
Bridging the Gap
It's important to note that these approaches are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they can complement each other in a comprehensive treatment plan. Furthermore, effective trauma-focused care is delivered within a trauma-informed setting. Trauma-informed care provides the foundational principles and environment necessary for individuals to engage effectively in trauma-focused interventions.
By integrating both approaches, therapists can create a safe, supportive environment (trauma-informed care) while also providing targeted interventions to address and heal from specific traumatic experiences (trauma-focused care).
Conclusion
Understanding the distinction between trauma-informed care and trauma-focused care can help you connect with treatment options that best meets your needs as you take the next step in your recovery. Both approaches emphasize safety, respect, and empowerment but differ in their focus on addressing the traumatic experiences directly.
Ultimately, a holistic approach that combines elements of both trauma-informed care and trauma-focused care can offer comprehensive support and healing opportunities for individuals affected by trauma. Therapists can tailor their approach based on the unique needs and preferences of each client, aiming to foster resilience and promote recovery in a sensitive and empowering manner.
For more information on Trauma-Informed Care, visit The University of Buffalo Center for Social Research.
If you are struggling with the effects of trauma, I would be glad to talk with you about how therapy can help you move forward.
