Trauma Informed Principles & Practices

What are the six Trauma-Informed Principles outlined by SAMHSA? Defining & Explaining Trauma-Informed Principles
Order Dr. Scott Giacomucci's new book, Trauma-Informed Principles in Group Therapy, Psychodrama, and Organizations: Action Methods for Leadership - www.amazon.com/Trauma-Informe...
This video offers an introduction to trauma-informed principles and why they are important for all organizations. The difference between "trauma-informed" and "trauma-focused" is outlined while commenting on trends in the mental health treatment field. Leaders, supervisors, professionals, students, and others interested in learning about trauma will find this video helpful.
Or, click here to access Dr. Scott's new ebook for free (see chapter 7 on trauma, trauma-informed care, and trauma-focused services) - link.springer.com/book/10.100...
Pre-order Dr. Scott's forthcoming book, Trauma-Informed Principles in Group Therapy, Psychodrama, and Organizations: Action Methods for Leadership - www.amazon.com/Trauma-Informe...
Don't forget to explore our other videos on this channel which include educational content on trauma, ptsd, addiction, and experiential trauma therapy.
#trauma​ #traumaticstress​ #traumaticexperience​ #ptsd​ #posttraumaticstress​ #posttraumaticstressdisorder​ #traumainformed​ #traumafocused​ #traumatreatment​ #traumaeducation​ #traumawork​ #traumacounseling​ #traumareaction​ #traumasymptoms

[@troycetabbathabrand1287]

Trauma is so real. And being mindful of others and their trauma. Don't judge a book by its cover. Be kind, be curious. Everyone has their story.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

So true!

[@emmawatkins6990]

The 6 Principles of Trauma-Informed Practice 4:29 Safety 6:15 Trustworthiness and Transparency 8:25 Peer Support 9:36 Collaboration and Mutuality 12:05 Empowerment, Voice, and Choice 14:35 Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thanks for this!

[@carols.4252]

I think the power dynamic is huge. Here is how it starts. “Hi, Carol. How are you doing today? I’m Doctor Jones “. Immediately I have less power. I am a first name without a title even though professionally I have a title. I’m also in my 60’s and Dr. Jones is in his 40’s ( I am guessing). I’m sitting on a table in some undignified garb that allows him easier access to my body. My feet dangling over the side like I’m a child in a too-big chair. That’s how it starts. I have no power in that setting.

[@christeanaz]

This is SO well said, thank you

[@brianmccloud8544]

That’s “one” way to look at it. When u go to a hospital/*need* some kind of professional treatment u don’t need a “friend”, a peer, or “an equal”. U need someone who knows how to improve the issue u’re experiencing. The word/title “Dr.” not only conveys power but also knowledge n experience (good Lord willing wisdom). Maybe a Dr. w/ great bedside manner will do their best to make u feel as an “equal partner” but the bottom line is u have to believe they know something more than u, ur neighbor Clyde, or even google (as it pertains to ur *specific* situation) n the title Dr. is shorthand for that. As far as being in clothing that makes u “vulnerable”, (for better, but obviously worse) a Dr. has like 15min to get to know u, hear ur issues, examine u, then make a diagnosis, n formulate n explain some sort of treatment. It’s unfortunate they don’t have time to make u feel 110% comfortable (presuming u have done issue being in a medical gown), but in any reasonable situation (no matter the health care system) there just isn’t an extra 5min-ish min for u to not be ready to b examined when the dr. is ready.

[@user-xf6tc4dj4n]

The fact that you make your book a free download tells us everything we need to know. You genuinely care. Thank you for your research. Thank you for your time. Thank you for the FREE resources. As a nursing student and on behalf of all nursing students who will come across this video. THANK YOU! Your video and the way you articulated yourself was so helpful.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thank you! I’m happy it is helpful!

[@evabarvitskiemarshall7999]

Ppppppppppòòoo

[@adamrossi2394]

Is it very refreshing (and encouraging) to hear a doctor speak like this. As a patient, I have been imploring countless medical professionals for these basic needs - futilely - for years. The current mental health industry is fraught with practicioners' ignorance, cruelty, and abuse. Thank you for posting this video, and trying to enlighten mental health workers (and everyone else too)! It is so nice to have the validation and support! I imagine knowing about the phrase "trauma informed" is going to save me a lot of agony. I will be sharing this video with those who need it...

[@mariamunozpiz6070]

I think it’s a never ending cycle. I see this problem in public schools such as elementary schools with their “no bully zone” systems yet the abusers are often the very same teachers or other leaders within the school.

[@alliesoma]

This was required watching for my MSW program. Really clear . Appreciated the comment that just because a therapist is stating they provide trauma therapy, it doesnt mean they are doing it in a trauma informed way.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Happy it was helpful!!

[@sarahlynch9596]

As a student in psychology in Canada, I thank you for making things simple and sharing the confusion that occurs in trauma practice.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Happy it was helpful!!

[@melindaauten8536]

As an educator, who teaches teacher candidates, I appreciate the foundational knowledge shared in this video. I challenge my learners to consider how to implement these principles into the classroom, as kids often come to the classroom with trauma, or may experience trauma during the school year. They may be any kind of trauma, big or small, but if we lead with these principles, it helps us to build trustworthy spaces for children to grow and learn in the best ways they can during these times.

[@gamewrit0058]

Definitely bookmarking this to share. My physical therapist was awesome when it came to trauma-informed care, but I've had unpleasant experiences with other providers and staff, including my primary care provider, whose opinion on trauma is just move on with life and don't dwell on the past 🤦

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@soul.searcher333]

I really love your energy and your empathy which is so clear to feel and see . Thank you for providing this info and conveying it so well too 💙

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thank you so much!

[@cindywright6436]

Stumbled upon this video this morning and it immediately spoke to why i was feeling so disempowered at work. Our agency started with these as our guiding principles but has over time lost their way. You helped me put my finger on the words I needed to voice my concerns. I am an immediate subscriber. I believe being trauma informed can strengthen counseling but I believe it’s even more needed in the workplace as the root source. Thx again!!

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thanks for your message Cindy! I'm sorry to hear about your experience at your agency but I'm happy to hear the video was validating and helpful!

[@Lilmommyoflove]

Very helpful, being that i work in the field and we all to often forget that we the EMPLOYEES of an organization also have these needs and when not followed by our Superiors within the organization we get unhealthy and burnt out, story of my life on this one. Thanks for reminding me i madder too. 👌🙏🏽

[@petersims6253]

Thank you for a fantastic video. I am a teacher who is moving into the field of ACE and how it effects students post COVID lockdown. We are increasingly realising that for some students here in Hong Kong after social unrest swiftly followed by years of COVID lockdowns real trauma has been experienced. The COVID lockdowns when seen through the lens of ACE has meant an increasing number of students are experiencing multiple ACEs. The six principles provide a really good pathway to address these issues at a school wide level.

[@JodDirty]

Hello My name Is Jose Arreola a Recovering addict and Traumatic eventful survivor now a studying student of Behavioral Mental Health student I would just like to applaud you manner of presenting this topic and agreeing with how you precised that helping others heal is done. I definitely intend to focus more on your videos and knowledge of treatment in this study in hope to see a change in others who have gone thru the same thing as myself Thank you very much and great job 2 thumbs up!!

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thank you, I appreciate it and wish you well in your studies!

[@dianadeane9233]

I like the distinction between trauma-focused and trauma-informed therapy or services. It’s useful. Providing trauma- focused therapy in a trauma- informed way sounds optimal but is astonishingly unusual. Thank you for this

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

I agree, thank you!

[@elizabethpearson8658]

I thoroughly enjoyed the video. It clarified my understanding of trauma-informed practice linked to the six trauma-informed principles. Listening to Dr Giacomucci was better than reading a book. Very happy to now download the book and all, and specifically chapter 7.

[@kellytobin1543]

Thank you, kind sir. Born with multiple limb anomalies, I am preparing to share my experiences with groups of doctors after living a half century of medical trauma based not so much on amputation, limb reconstruction, etc. but rather in interpersonal dynamics -- objectification, marginalized voice, and other power differentials. Your words help: misattunement vs. collaboration, (patient) preference, agency, etc.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

So happy to be helpful Kelly!! Hope it goes well!

[@brianbe1430]

Thank you Kelly, for sharing your lived experience 🙏🏼🗣👍🏼🌟

[@kellyshermak6167]

Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge. I have an interview for a position were I provide county resources to those in need and want to apply approaches that will empower clients to feel confident and apart of their personal growth. Your video reminds me what it means to treat others how I would like to be treated.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thanks Kelly! I’m so happy the video is helpful. I hope your interview goes well!!

[@user-hr3iw7ck9m]

This is so helpful. I work for a charity in England (UK) and this was my first point of investigation into Trauma Informed Practice. It makes so much sense when I think about working with the clients that we are working with and how we can engage with them, and shape the charity with them. Thank you :)

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

I’m so happy that this is helpful for you!

[@andresserna8285]

Thanks so much for this amazing video. I'm just studying a diploma on mental health and it is my first certificated. For me not being someone who has English as first language it was extremely clear everything that you said. It is helping me a lot to understand a lot of things that I'm learning at my TAFE. Thanks so much and hope to still having more videos from you.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Hi andrés, I’m so happy you found the video helpful and clear!

[@mahnoor2775]

This was so incredibly helpful, thank you. And thank you so much as well for providing your book for free!!

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

You are welcome, hope it’s helpful!

[@AA-eq2zq]

Thank you so much. Appreciate feeling seen by your descriptions of trauma's effects too.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thank you!

[@jojocadieux6644]

Thank you!! This is SO incredibly helpful! ... and wow, big realization that a number of the non-profits I've worked for only skimmed the top of what 'trauma-informed' really looks like! Again, thank you! I am truly grateful for the time you took to make this video! It's very clear and so very helpful in moving forward!

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thanks Jojo!

[@nicoleangelica6407]

This was so informative and inspiring. Grateful to have these tools and to be moving in this direction. Thank you so much.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

So happy it was help Nicole!

[@democraticdialogue7271]

I am a social worker. However, this is a great refresher lecture. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Happy this is helpful!

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@akanbioluwatobi2619]

Thank you so very much for this simplified lesson. It was awesome

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

I’m happy it is helpful!

[@michaelpolacek2472]

I'm listened to this at least 10 times and have several pages of notes. Thank you. Have you ever heard of an actual Trauma-Informed Community? There are a number of models such as the Self-Healing Community with Laura Porter and Dr. Anda, and the work of Dr. Sandra Bloom implementing the principles of Sanctuary within a community in the MARC model. But I haven't read about a community that is specifically calling itself a Trauma-Informed Community.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thanks michael! Yes, I’m familiar with their work; sandy bloom was one of my professors in my doctorate program. In my recent book there’s a section on Psychodrama’s connection to therapeutic communities as well as sanctuary model. Free access to the book here - link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-33-6342-7

[@olimpikaoja1848]

Thank you for this video and sharing your book with open access. A rare act of kindness from the academic community.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michelledoerr1392]

Simple and wonderful explanation that anyone can use. Thank you!!

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thank you!!

[@IntuitiveCoachTheresa]

Thank you, this was a great set of distinctions to contextualize trauma informed coaching! I'm currently pursuing ontological coaching certification but have been supporting people with trauma based mind body healing for 27 years as a manual therapist and faith based coach. I very much appreciate this video and look forward to studying with your content more!

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thanks, I’m so happy the video is helpful!

[@TheLoneDranger]

Beautiful. Thank you!

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thank you too!

[@TaureanTrish]

I'm currently studying Trauma Informed Practices as part of a certificate in mental health. This video was recommended to us by our teacher. I liked how you differentiated the difference between trauma focused and trauma informed care. Same same but (very) different yeah? Very informative. Thanks! 😊

[@RNcoder67]

Yes. Thank u for this explanation!!! I am a nurse and I find it very hard to change a person’s behaviors and or habits especially in an older person. That is where I set my limits as a nurse. They are set in their own ways, so I had to learn to just let go. I find this so challenging in trying to help other human beings- no matter their religion, sex, occupation, culture, etc is. It is such a sensitive topic to understand and I guess that is where your expertise is needed!! I admire what u do!

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@BBWahoo]

If only all your videos had this much activity, Psychodrama must spread! For MORENO! 😤

[@jozuajoubert3951]

I'm using your trauma-informed principles to develop a (weed & psychedelic friendly)recovery support group. The peer part of what you are talking about. Thank you for clarifying things for me

[@PhinaLuv]

This was really helpful. I am studying to become a trauma recovery coach as a survivor myself and this was so helpful in taking the words off the page and reinforcement of the information I'm learning!

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

So happy to hear it was helpful seraphina!

[@dear-pixel-heart]

Thank you very much for this informative video!

[@haydelissequinones2194]

Thank you for this succinct video, and clarification of the difference between Trauma informed and Trauma focused care

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LOVELY-dv6oq]

I am so incredibly happy to have stumbled upon this topic hearing it for the first time at 36 🙏✨ I needed this like oxygen right now!!!

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

I’m so happy that this is helpful for you!!

[@glenlarot9690]

Very refreshing and informative in a simple and concise presentation. Thank you and keep safe!!!

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thank you Glen!

[@sylviad3444]

This is a great explanation that is clear, simple and succinct. I am a SW in a legal setting, law firm, and found this to be a great refresher and topic of discussion with our work community.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@margaretlongsworth287]

This was a great overview of trauma informed care. Very digestible for front line staff. Thank you.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thanks Margaret- I’m so happy you found it helpful! Stay posted for a few more similar videos coming soon :)

[@user-hc6qm9wb4z]

Great information that you have shared. The information has a necessary understanding which is needed at work and home.

[@yannos2007]

Clear and insightful video thank you

[@annadeugenio7780]

This was so clear and helpful, thank you so much! I have downloaded the free resource too :)

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DestinyMaatHotepDaniels]

Dr. Scott this was so informative. I definitely learned a lot and now have a better understanding of what trauma informed care is. Thank you.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Happy it was helpful!!

[@blahblahblacksheep6347]

Absolutely love your content. Thank you.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thank you!!

[@Sunshine_through_Clouds]

i really enjoyed this youtube I’m a student in second year social work indigenous diploma. i have come back this video a few times now for courses i am taking

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

I’m so happy it has been helpful!

[@DonnyRaets]

really well explained, thank you.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@momentshaveyou1]

Thanks, really clear and helpful

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Happy it is helpful!

[@redfrogrodeo]

Thank you for the information. Super helpful for me as I am a peer support worker.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thanks Hannah! I’m happy it was helpful fir you and your work!

[@2010skar]

Very helpful and worth it to watch. Hope to watch more valuable videos like this in near future. My respectful Thank you to you Doctor 🙏

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thank you for your kind comment Sruti!

[@talsilverstein8721]

Very helpful and clear explanation. Thank you!

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@janeparnell6850]

Thank you 🙏

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

You’re welcome 😊

[@breannalee4112]

Great overview of these guiding principles of TIP.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thanks!!

[@darlenbageta4680]

This was very easy to take in as a student, thanks a lot

[@anabelasachombelemartins6835]

Thank you.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

You're welcome!

[@angelamossucco2190]

Your information is highly helpful for those of us seeking care.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Happy to be helpful!

[@LoveIsTheMovement01]

Thank you for sharing this! So helpful. I hope to model trauma informed care for my fellow healthcare workers, and maybe teach it one day.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ryannejansevanrensburg9660]

Really helpful, thank you :) thought you might be interested to know that this video was suggested by our lecturers for the Psych OT (occupational therapy) postgraduate course!

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

That’s is great to hear! From which school?!

[@WilheminaOfosuaFrimpong]

wonderful and nice .I really learnt a lot , THANK YOU DOCTOR

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

You are most welcome 🙏

[@burcudayioglu]

thank you! it's really informative and helpful

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

I’m happy it is helpful!

[@EphremBWill]

Good presentation!

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thank you!

[@__softspot__]

Thank you very much for this great Video. I recently started tattooing and trauma and consent informed work is a key principle in my eyes.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thank you for your response! I agree. There’s actually also research showing that tattoos can help someone in the meaning making process after death or trauma.

[@__softspot__]

@@PhoenixTraumaCenter Yes, i've had the book "could this be magic" by Tamara santibañez recommended to me, which i think covers that exact topic- i haven't had the chance to read it yet though. I'd be happy to see more videos like this or hear your recommendations! Thank you for your answer!

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

@@__softspot__ I can't find the book I read about it years ago. But with a quick online search I found a book on Tattoos and Trauma for emergency responders and multiple research studies including this qualitative study on sexual trauma survivors' motivations for tattoos as non-traditional healing - www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01639625.2019.1565524

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

also, where can we find your tattoo work Morgen?

[@cathysweeney6861]

Very interesting 😊

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Glad you think so!

[@tex1622]

Could you please do a talk on the importance of boundaries in trauma informed care?

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thank you for the helpful suggestion, I will add this to my list of future videos ideas! Very timely as I’m teaching a workshop Friday on boundaries!

[@tex1622]

@@PhoenixTraumaCenter Oh great, thank you, I look forward to watching it!

[@lucillea-r9568]

Thank you thank you thank you

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

I’m happy it was helpful!

[@lucillea-r9568]

Yes it was I was going for an interview and I got the job

[@kaym.2854]

Informative video. Really clarified for me. I wish it was longer. Quick question: You mentioned that mandating someone to seek help can re-traumatize them. Can you elaborate more on that?

[@suejoker]

Great content, Scott!

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Thanks sue! I’m happy it’s helpful! Any other topics you’d like covered for future videos?

[@HopefulTribe]

@@PhoenixTraumaCenter I appreciate all mental health content and loved that you are a psychodramatist (I am a drama therapist). I'm actually working on a video about trauma informed care and was looking to see what other people had done... My channel is more of a self-help/entertainment channel.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

@@HopefulTribe Great to hear! I will check out your channel too. I always love to meet drama therapists :)

This is awesome Scott! Such a valuable content.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

@ thanks Özge! I’m happy it’s useful!

[@ryanodendaal7643]

@PhoenixTraumaCenter, Thank you for the informative video. I am planning on presenting a workshop on trauma-informed care to a local primary school as an assignment for a module in my master's in educational psychology program. Given that the school doesn't have any on-site counsellors or psychologists. I thought it would be a good idea to do a workshop for the teachers and management explaining what trauma-informed care looked like as an organisation (Similar to your video), as they too have a responsibility to care for and identify any signs that may relate to trauma in the children during the school day and then to make informed decisions as the next steps. Management also has the responsibility to ensure that their staff feel safe and that the structures and decisions being made in the school are transparent. I am planning on doing a needs analysis first, however, I would like to know if there is anything you recommend I keep in mind when addressing teachers working with children and maybe how I should direct my workshop towards them as they are not trained in therapy?

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

All of these principles are applicable for education too. I’d encourage you to explore some of SAMHSA’s free resources on trauma informed schools

[@freedomriding2558]

Arent these just general best practices for therapy modalities and organizations?

[@vega2126]

I woluld like to know how to find a Questionnaire to mesearu if these principles hab been implemented in a youth homelessness program

[@irenahabe2855]

Uau. Gou got me on TIC. Tanku.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

🙏

[@mariamunozpiz6070]

I’m a trauma survivor does that make me trauma informed? I don’t have the titles but I can discern tactics I couldn’t before on abusers and so on

[@brianaforeman2517]

Do you think that Moreno philosophy can be applied to intergenerational trauma?

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Absolutely! There are multiple psychodrama trainees who specialize in this area too!

[@angelamossucco2190]

Is there a national list of psychodrama practicioners in private practice and/ or offering online classes or counseling?

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Yes! There’s a list of certified psychodramatists at www.psychodramacertification.org and events listed on the calendar of www.asgpp.org

[@angelamossucco2190]

@@PhoenixTraumaCenter thank you 🙏🏼

[@Monicatee4216]

Can someone show me how to cite this in APA 7th edition

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Probably best to cite a peer-reviewed source rather than the youtube video. here's citation to my upcoming book and to SAMHSA's publications on the topic Giacomucci, S. (2023). Trauma-Informed Principles in Group Therapy, Psychodrama, and Organizations: Action Methods for Leadership. Routledge.  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014a). SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 14-4884. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014b). Trauma-informed care in behavioral health services. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series 57. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

Which of the 6 principles do you feel your organization embodies best?

[@dianatorres300]

Right now I think we’re changing our focus to peer support. There continues to be no safety concerns as we strive to address any minor issues as they happen. We’re at the very beginning of our trauma-focused approach.

[@PhoenixTraumaCenter]

@@dianatorres300 that’s great to hear! Safety seems to be foremost and peer support connects to multiple other TI principles!

[@shahilagh]

I found academia the most traumatic workplace . All these academics claim about it but they don’t explain how they create a bad environment for everyone especially new professors and really anyone . Just like business schools. They make prescriptions about all other businesses expect their own business haha

[@prettyhall6172]

Very useful. Thank you. The hard swallows are distracting.

[@williamlevy6964]

People with trauma don't ask for help. Everyone's lying and laughing and causing this behaviour.