Using an Educational and Trauma-Informed Approach to Destigmatize Trauma
At some point in our lives, trauma affects most people. Most of us have jobs, which means that trauma impacts all sectors. (To understand more about how workplaces are impacted by trauma, read this.)
In light of the prevalence of trauma, stigma, misconceptions, and biases hinder open discussions and access to appropriate resources. Research demonstrates that unsupported and unaddressed trauma can have lasting emotional, psychological, and physiological effects, as well as social and spiritual impact, which persist long after the initial event (Lashkay, Kinsella, & Muldoon, 2023).
Misunderstandings about trauma can create barriers to wellbeing, making it highly beneficial to promote a trauma-informed perspective. By increasing awareness, education, and understanding, we can reduce stigma and encourage trauma-informed practices, which we all benefit from.
The Impact of Stigma
Trauma stigma manifests in various ways, including misinformation, minimizing language, and misdirected interactions. Stigma is a barrier that can prevent impacted individuals from receiving adequate support and assistance to process.
Stigma contributes to relational disconnection, which in turn impacts relationships. Diminished relationships impact interactions. In an organizational setting, this can impact workforce teams achieving synergy to achieve their goals. This includes all workforce sectors, including healthcare and legal (Lashkay, Kinsella, & Muldoon, 2023).
Common Misconceptions About Trauma
Some individuals unfamiliar with trauma research may wish, and even implore, impacted individuals to simply "move on.” This approach is disconnected from neurobiology. Trauma recovery begins with safety and trust, not dismissal.
The Role of Language
The way we talk about trauma has significant effects. Language that dismisses or diminishes an individual's experience can reinforce stigma and discourage access to resources and effective support. Using non-judgmental language fosters safety and encourages engagement with trauma-informed support systems (Turmaud, 2019).
Social Barriers
People who have experienced trauma may feel disconnected from their communities and community members due to misunderstanding or a lack of trauma literacy. This can occur in workplaces and personal relationships when trauma is not properly recognized (Clapp et al., n.d.).
The Impact of Trauma Stigma
The way trauma is perceived affects impacted individuals. Research shows that stigma contributes to stress, self-doubt, and isolation, limiting access to necessary support and services.
Heightened Stress Responses: Stigma can intensify trauma-related symptoms such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies indicate that negative societal perceptions can increase emotional distress and create additional barriers to recovery (Lashkay et al., 2023; Ullman & Filipas, 2001).
Internalized Self-Perception: Repeated exposure to negative messages about trauma can discourage impacted individuals from seeking support and reinforce feelings of shame and self-stigmatization (Turmaud, 2019).
Social Isolation: The stigma surrounding trauma can contribute to withdrawal from social and professional realms. Social disconnection, whether with friends or colleagues, can prolong distress and reduce opportunities for effective intervention and healing (Clapp et al., n.d.).
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Implementing a Trauma-Informed Perspective
Reducing, or even better dismantling, trauma stigma requires shifts in attitudes, language, relational, and institutional practices. Trauma-informed principles emphasize safety and trust-building, ensuring that individuals receive appropriate support and resources.
Promoting Trauma-Informed Language: Using trauma-informed and respectful language helps create an environment where individuals feel safely included. Encouraging educational discussions and practical implementation (practice, practice, practice) can shift societal attitudes and dismantle misconceptions (Turmaud, 2019). Trauma-informed educational workshops specific to your workforce sector help your workforce gather needed skills. Trauma-informed coaching allows that initial education to be supported in practice.
Enhancing Public Awareness: Misinformation about trauma perpetuates stigma. Educational initiatives in workplaces, healthcare settings, and community programs can replace misinformation with evidence-based knowledge, improving general understanding (Clapp et al., n.d.).
Advocacy and Structural Change: Trauma-informed public awareness efforts and trauma-informed institutional policy shifts (including budget lines) play a key role in reducing trauma stigma. When organizations implement trauma-informed policies, they create environments where individuals feel supported (Turmaud, 2019). This is best done top-down with whole-organizational implementation led by organizational leaders.
Creating Trauma-Informed Spaces: A trauma-informed approach prioritizes trauma awareness and minimizes re-traumatization. (To see more principles, sign up for this Trauma-Informed Workplace Best Practices Guide.) All Workplaces in all sectors, including healthcare systems and legal settings, benefit from integrating trauma-informed practices (Lashkay et al., 2023).
Advancing Trauma-Informed Systems
Addressing trauma stigma requires both individual and systemic action. Organizations play a key role in integrating trauma-informed frameworks and practices to ensure that individuals receive appropriate and effective support.
Workplaces: Employers can implement trauma-informed policies that acknowledge the prevalence of trauma and increase awareness among employees to create safer and more effective work environments. Trauma-aware workforces experience lots of benefits—find them here.
Legal Systems: Trauma-informed legal practices can reduce additional distress for people experiencing trauma or living with trauma navigating legal processes. Additionally, The Mother Corp trains lawyers on trauma-informed practices and trauma recovery to support legal practitioners and their clients in providing trauma-informed legal services, to the benefit of the lawyers and their clients.
Advancing a Trauma-Informed Society
Destigmatizing trauma requires education, awareness, practice, and system investment. Shifts in language, relational practices, or institutional improvements contribute to creating a society that acknowledges trauma prevalence, understands it could be us impacted by trauma, and prioritizes safety for people impacted by trauma.
By fostering informed conversations and challenging misconceptions, we can build a society where trauma-informed approaches ensure support is accessible to amplify processing, wellbeing, and thriving.
If you are living with trauma or have experienced trauma and are seeking effective support, contact The Mother Corp for a free complimentary call to hear how our service can support you.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chavisa Horemans, MES, CDC, CTRC
Chavisa Horemans is a trauma-informed consultant specializing in evidence-based, holistic support for individuals navigating complex challenges.
She holds an interdisciplinary Master’s degree in social sciences and a Graduate Diploma in adult education. Her areas of expertise include Gender-Based Violence, Hidden Abuse, Financial Abuse, and Post-Separation Abuse.
Chavisa is a Certified Divorce Coach (CDC, ICF), specializing in supporting parents involved in high-conflict disputes.
She is also a certified Trauma Recovery Practitioner (CTRC), helping individuals process and recover from trauma. She continues to deepen her knowledge through ongoing training in trauma-informed interventions.
For secure communication, she can be reached at themothercorp@proton.me.
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