Trauma-Informed Care with Peter Thorburn
Trauma-Informed Care is a strengths-based model that are inclusive of the survivor’s perspective. It’s informed by up-to-date research and practice, and recognize that coercive treatments need to be avoided as they can either cause new trauma or re-traumatize survivors. We value those in care and help support and nurture them by having a flexible approach, remaining neutral, and to avoid shaming and humiliating. Putting our whanau first to give them the care they need.
Trauma are experiences that overwhelm an individual’s capacity to cope and can manifest itself in situations that are emotionally or physically threatening to people. Different people react in different ways to trauma and that can vary from minor events to debilitating situations. Trauma can be divided into 3 different categories:
1. Natural – earthquakes, tsunami, volcanic eruptions, etc.
2. By People: Accidents – car accidents, building collapse, accidental shooting, etc.
3. By People: Intentional – domestic violence, terrorism, bullying, suicide, etc.
We had another full house on the 8th of September via zoom (as it would be because of Alert Level 4 lockdown) with Peter Thorburn. We learnt about the various symptoms of trauma as well as the effects different types of trauma can have on people. We were informed why people turn to certain behaviours like alcohol and drug abuse and self-harm as a coping mechanism due to unresolved trauma, but more importantly we learnt how we can manage these self-destructive behaviours so we give our whanau the care they need.
Putting whanau first is always the best approach when it comes to care. Catering to their needs is what can help best prevent further trauma from being inflicted, as well as provide an excellent foundation as they re-build themselves. Trauma-Informed Care requires understanding and careful navigation when it’s time to treat whanau. It’s based on building trust and healthy relationships between whanau and professionals. If we use this approach moving forward, then can we really make meaning change for those who really need it.