Mental health challenges can arise from a range of risk factors, including trauma. Trauma-sensitive therapy is designed to help individuals who have experienced trauma to feel safe, supported, and empowered as they work through their mental health struggles. 

Trauma-informed care, or trauma-sensitive therapy is grounded in understanding that trauma can deeply affect how a person perceives the world, themselves, and their relationships with others

Understanding trauma and its effects

Trauma can occur after witnessing or experiencing an overwhelming event that leaves a lasting impact on one's emotional or psychological state. Events such as accidents, violence, abuse, or disasters can lead to trauma, however each person’s response is unique. It’s crucial to understand that trauma isn’t about the event itself, but about how the person processes and internalises it. 

Around 57% of Australians aged 16 - 85 have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Many of those who experience trauma may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. 

What makes therapy ‘trauma-sensitive’?

Trauma-sensitive therapy is not one specific treatment method, it is an approach that can be applied across different types of therapy to ensure the client feels safe and in control. 

Here are some of the key principles for a trauma-sensitive approach:

Safety and trustworthiness: Trauma-informed therapists focus on building trust and an environment where their client feels emotionally and physically safe. In this space a client will know that they won’t be judged or pushed too hard. 

Empowerment: Trauma-sensitive therapy encourages the client to make decisions about their own treatment. This provides them with an opportunity to regain control, which can often be taken away by trauma. The therapist will work with their patient to ensure that they are comfortable with the pace and focus of therapy. 

Understanding: Therapists who are trained in trauma-informed care have the skills to recognise signs of trauma and understand how it can affect behaviour, relationships, and mental health. Their knowledge and awareness informs every aspect of the therapy process. They are aware that their client may have altered perceptions of the world and understand they may react to certain situations. 

Avoiding re-traumatisation:  One of the major risks for people who have experienced trauma is being re-traumatised by events, words, actions, and environments that trigger painful memories. Trauma-sensitive therapy takes great care to avoid this by providing non-triggering and calming environments, using respectful and gentle language, and providing space for their client to set boundaries. 

The importance of trauma-informed care

Trauma-informed care isn’t just about treating symptoms, it’s about helping individuals heal from the inside, out. 

At Avive Health, we believe that everyone deserves access to compassionate, tailored care that addresses their unique needs. By creating a safe and supportive environment, we give our patients the space to explore their trauma at their own pace and begin their healing journey. Whether you are dealing with trauma, anxiety, depressions, or other mental health conditions, we are here to offer support without judgement. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. You don’t have to face these challenges alone, and with the right care, recovery is possible.