Our practice is aware of the complex impact of trauma on a person’s ability to cope and enjoy their life. We are dedicated to providing Holisitic Trauma Responsive Care and have modeled our approach after SAMHSA‘s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma Informed Approach.

The 4 “R’s”

Realize: Understand how trauma impacts individuals, families, and communities. People develop coping strategies to survive adversity from past, current personal experiences as well as secondary exposure through witnessing trauma experienced by others. Trauma goes hand in hand with increased likelihood of addiction and involvement in other systems such as criminal justice, health care and community groups etc.

Recognize the signs of trauma. Trauma screenings, assessment and consultation/supervision are essential and on-going.

Respond by changing language, behaviors and policies within organizations and systems to create a “physically and psychologically safe environment” in which to heal. This also includes moving from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”

Resist Re-traumatization seek to prevent and avoid procedures or conditions that could trigger painful memories and be an obstacle to healing and recovery.