Be trauma informed without the uni degree

I feel there is a misconception that you need some sort of qualification to be trauma informed (absolutely critical to understand the complexities of trauma) however anyone can be trauma informed.

Take time to reflect if you are trauma informed, what areas do you feel you need to work on? Sometimes people can feel uncomfortable to have sensitive conversations and that’s understandable if you have not taken the time to improve in this area.

What are some factors to consider to be trauma informed:

• Being a person that is a good active listener that is patient and takes T-I-M-E with a person.
• Having the ability to build safe environments for people that makes them feels safe and protected.
• Building trust and positive relationships to foster connection and a sense of belonging.
• Having the ability to acknowledge and affirm how someone is feeling.
• Validating their concerns.
• Checking in/following up.
• Having a basic understanding of the different types of trauma and how this can impact someone.
• Understanding the difference between sympathy and empathy and how to show this to another person.
• Being calm and collected.
• T-I-M-E and attention
• Knowing when someone might need professional support.
• The huge importance of knowing the impact that connection can have on someone.

What have I missed?

Of course, the more study you do the better to best support someone, however I truly believe you don’t need to be a professional to have basic trauma informed knowledge, it comes from being a good human to start with.

As I shared in my first line, you don’t need to have any qualifications or training to be trauma informed, you just need to be a good listener, the willing to be patient and compassionate (with a few other things, however that is a great start).

In my own personal experience with my trauma, I have always appreciated people that have taken the T-I-M-E to listen and show genuine care no matter the environment. When people have shown these traits, it has made me feel validated, safe and protected, these factors are impossible to measure on the impact that this can have on someone.

Please write back if you had any questions, opinions or would like a particular topic written about. Any feedback would also be greatly appreciated.