In Chapter Seven will learn that trauma is prevalent in society, is pervasive
in the lives of many children, can affect anyone at anytime, and has many negative
repercussions. Helping professionals are, therefore, strongly encouraged to embrace
strategies to treat the devasting effects of adversity by applying key elements of a
trauma-sensitive practice and principles of trauma-informed approaches.
Empowerment, safety, choice and trust are deemed to be crucial to treatment. However,
the therapeutic relationship is determined to be the most vital component in facilitating
healing, regardless of what specific psychological strategies are employed in therapy.
In the narrative case study, a troubled teen tells us how she was inspired to want to help
others heal from past hurt. In the Case in Point, a therapist helps her client understand
that what happened to her was not her fault. At the end of the Chapter, we are asked to
differentiate between shame and guilt and to explore ways to help clients to let go of
shame. We learn what actions hinder and which ones help when confronted with
another person’s emotional suffering.
Keywords: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Choice, Collaboration, Empathy, Guilt, Indigenous peoples, Instillation of hope, Patient empowerment, Professional boundaries, Safety, Shame, Systemic racism, Trauma, Traumainformed approaches, Trauma-sensitive practice, Trustworthiness, (LGBTQ2S).
