What is trauma-informed care, really?
As a licensed professional counselor, I often hear clients say, “I don’t even know where to start when it comes to talking about my trauma.” And that’s exactly where trauma-informed care comes in—it doesn’t rush, push, or force. Instead, it’s a therapeutic approach built on understanding how trauma impacts a person’s whole being—mind, body, and spirit.
Rather than focusing only on the “symptoms” of trauma (like anxiety, hypervigilance, or difficulty trusting others), trauma-informed care looks deeper. It asks, What happened to you? instead of What’s wrong with you? This shift makes all the difference in helping people feel safe, seen, and empowered to begin their healing journey.
The Core Principles of Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-informed care isn’t a technique—it’s a framework. At Inspired Healing, we embody the following five principles in every session:
Safety – Both physical and emotional safety come first. We create a space where you can breathe deeply and know you’re not alone.
Trustworthiness – Healing happens when trust grows. We prioritize consistency, transparency, and respect in every interaction.
Empowerment – You’re not defined by trauma. We highlight strengths, resilience, and the small victories along the way.
Collaboration – Therapy isn’t something done to you—it’s a process we walk through together.
Cultural Sensitivity – Everyone’s story is shaped by culture, identity, and lived experience. We honor that uniqueness in each client.
These values aren’t just ideals—they guide our everyday counseling practices, ensuring that clients feel supported in ways that respect their pace and personal story.
The 4 R’s of Trauma-Informed Care
Another helpful way to understand trauma-informed care is through the 4 R’s, developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). These principles guide trauma-informed organizations and therapists in creating truly healing environments:
Realization
We recognize how common trauma is and understand its profound impact on mental, physical, and emotional health. At Inspired Healing, every therapist begins with the awareness that trauma may be shaping your story—even if it’s not spoken yet.Recognition
We learn how to identify the signs of trauma—whether that’s difficulty trusting others, heightened anxiety, or patterns of withdrawal. Recognizing these signs helps us meet you with compassion rather than assumptions.Response
Our entire approach is designed to respond to trauma with sensitivity. From how we structure sessions to the language we use, everything reflects a commitment to safety, trust, and empowerment.Resist Re-Traumatization
This final “R” is perhaps the most important. Therapy should never reopen wounds or make someone feel unsafe. We take care to avoid practices or questions that could cause re-traumatization, always moving at your pace.
When woven together, these 4 R’s help create a foundation where true healing can unfold—one step at a time.
How Inspired Healing Embodies This Approach
At Inspired Healing, trauma-informed care isn’t just something we “offer.” It’s woven into the fabric of who we are. From the moment you reach out, whether through our Services page or your first phone call, we work to create a sense of welcome and safety.
Our philosophy is simple: healing happens best in the presence of compassion. That’s why every therapist on our team is trained to hold space for trauma survivors with patience, sensitivity, and a deep respect for each person’s healing journey.
Meet Our Trauma-Informed Therapists
Maggie-Licensed Counselor & Music Therapist
Maggie brings warmth and gentle presence to her sessions, making clients feel truly heard. As both a licensed counselor and a music therapist, she integrates the healing power of music into trauma-informed therapy. Whether through rhythm, song, or simply listening, Maggie uses music as a tool for self-expression, emotional release, and connection. For many clients, this creative approach offers a safe and powerful way to process what words alone can’t capture. Maggie’s compassionate care helps clients reclaim their voice and step into a renewed sense of self.
Jessi- Licensed Counselor & Art Therapist
Jessi offers a grounding, empathetic presence that supports clients through the complexities of trauma recovery. As an art therapist, she uses creativity and visual expression to help clients explore emotions that may be difficult to verbalize. Art therapy, combined with trauma-informed care, allows Jessi to create safe, collaborative experiences where clients can process, heal, and grow in empowering ways. Her approach helps clients reconnect with themselves, fostering resilience and hope through both words and creativity.
Together, Maggie and Jessi embody the heart of trauma-informed care—meeting each client with compassion, safety, and creativity, and honoring the courage it takes to begin the healing journey.
Why Choosing a Trauma-Informed Therapist Matters
Working with a trauma-informed therapist is more than just finding someone who “understands trauma.” It means finding a professional who sees you as whole, resilient, and capable of healing—even if you don’t feel that way yet.
When trauma-informed care is at the center of therapy:
You’re not pressured to share before you’re ready.
You’re met with compassion, not judgment.
You’re given tools to rebuild safety and stability in daily life.
You learn to trust your own voice and choices again.
Resources for Learning More
If you’d like to dive deeper into understanding trauma-informed care, here are a few trusted resources:
SAMHSA: Trauma and Violence – National insights on trauma-informed approaches.
National Council for Mental Wellbeing – Resources and advocacy for mental health and trauma care.
APA Trauma Resources – Research and articles from the American Psychological Association.
How to Begin Your Healing Journey
If you’re considering trauma-informed therapy, know this: healing doesn’t have to be rushed. It begins with one step, and we’re here to walk with you.
At Inspired Healing, our therapists—including Maggie and Jessi—are ready to meet you exactly where you are. Whether you’re navigating past trauma or simply looking for a safe space to process life’s challenges, we’re here for you.
✨ Learn more about us on our About Page
✨ Explore our Services
✨ Reach out today through our Contact Page
FAQs About Trauma-Informed Care
1. What does “trauma-informed” mean in therapy?
It means your therapist understands how trauma affects the brain, body, and emotions—and prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment throughout the process.
2. Do I have to talk about my trauma right away?
Absolutely not. In fact, trauma-informed care encourages clients to move at their own pace. Your therapist will never push you to share before you’re ready.
3. Can trauma-informed therapy help with anxiety or depression?
Yes—many symptoms of anxiety, depression, and even physical issues can be connected to unresolved trauma. Trauma-informed therapy can help address the root causes while also building coping tools.
A Closing Thought
Trauma may shape your story, but it doesn’t define your future. At Inspired Healing, we believe that with the right support, every person has the ability to move from surviving to thriving.
If you’re ready to take that first step, we’re here to walk alongside you—with compassion, care, and a trauma-informed approach that honors your journey. Let’s get started.
