Applying a Trauma-Informed Care Perspective
Trauma-Informed Care
We all have experienced difficult behaviour in our lives. It could be from a stranger, from someone we know or sometimes even ourselves. We are quick to criticize or shame those behaviours but how many of us ask: “What’s behind this behaviour?”
At Brandon Kayat Psychology, I work from a Trauma-Informed Approach when working with people affected directly or indirectly by such behaviour including substance abuse. This blog will explain what a trauma-informed approach is and why it is valuable.
Finally, it will explain and how you can embrace a Trauma-Informed perspective in your everyday life even if you're not a therapist.
What Is a Trauma-Informed Approach?
The Trauma-Informed Approach is based on the concept that trauma manifests in many different ways in a person’s life.
That trauma might look like:
Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
Witnessing violence
Being raised in an unsafe home
Long-term neglect or abandonment
Racism, homophobia, transphobia, or other forms of discrimination
Repeated loss, instability, or bullying
Some of these manifestations include maladaptive or undesirable behaviours such as anger outbursts, mood shifts, social isolation and drug and alcohol use. This usually leads to the misconception that the person committing such behaviours is intentionally doing so.
In the trauma-informed model, we shift from asking “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”
It’s a compassionate way of understanding that these behaviours and manifestations are often attempts to cope with overwhelming emotional pain, not simply intentional bad choices or failures.
The 6 Key Principles of Trauma-Informed Care
Safety – People need to feel physically and emotionally safe for healing to begin.
Trustworthiness & Transparency – Being honest, consistent, and predictable in order to build trust.
Peer Support – Connecting with others who have shared experiences is often helpful in dealing with the trauma.
Collaboration – Rather than doing things to someone, we work with them to understand better.
Empowerment – Everyone has strengths; the goal is to recognise and build on them. We help people to utilise their own strengths to heal their difficulties.
Cultural, Historical & Gender Sensitivity – Trauma does not exist in a vacuum. Understanding the identity and lived experience of the individual matters.
How You Can Use Trauma-Informed Principles in Daily Life
This information is not exclusively for psychologists. It is for anyone who wishes to support someone through a trauma-informed lens. Here’s how to incorporate ideas into your everyday conversations and relationships—especially with someone who may be struggling with such manifestations of trauma:
1. Lead with Curiosity, Not Judgment
Instead of reacting to behaviour with anger, criticism, shame or blame, try rather seek what might be underlying it.
2. Offer Emotional Safety
If someone trusts you enough to open up, respect their chosen pace. Avoid pushing for details or giving advice unless invited. Listen without a rush to respond.
3. Be Reliable and Consistent
Being there when you say you will, replying to messages, or simply checking in regularly helps foster trust.
4. Encourage Autonomy
People affected by trauma often feel powerless. Give choices wherever you can.
5. Respect Identity and Experience
Be mindful of how identity such as gender, sexuality, culture, or background may shape someone’s experience. Avoid making any assumptions.
Use inclusive language and, when in doubt, ask how someone identifies or prefers to be addressed.
6. Mind Your Own Triggers
Supporting someone else can bring up your own trauma or other triggers. Take time to check in with yourself and set healthy boundaries. Notice any shifts in your mental state no matter how subtle it may be.
Trauma and it’s Manifestations: Why This Matters
When someone exhibits such manifestations of trauma, addressing the trauma—not the behaviour—is key to long-term recovery. If not treated professionally, the manifestations of the trauma will take other forms.
By understanding the role trauma plays in someone’s life, you can respond with empathy, not shame. This is especially important in the UK, where stigma around both mental health and substance use can stop people from getting help.
When to Seek Professional Support
As much as you can support immediate support for the person, you should not manage this alone. Professional help is always the first priority.
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use or emotional distress, therapy can help unpack what’s beneath the behaviour—at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
At Brandon Kayat Psychology, we offer trauma-informed care to people across the UK via secure online sessions, and in-person sessions in South Wales. We are LGBTQ+ affirming and specialise in supporting anyone navigating trauma, addiction, and recovery.
Final Thoughts
The trauma-informed care approach is more than a therapy style- it’s a perspective of compassion, safety, and empowerment. By shifting the lens from shame, stigma, and silence towards empathy, compassion and understanding; we start to treat the cause and not the symptoms.
Want to learn more or ask a question?
Get in touch at brandonkayatpsychology.com – we’d love to hear from you.
