Now more than ever, trauma is rising to the surface in all kinds of situations. In my work with women and sexual healing, I’ve been noticing this trend as we regather in person on the other side of covid. And it’s completely understandable, given all the trauma that covid exacerbated for so many people. The concern now becomes, how can those of us in helping professions rise to meet this ever-growing need? One answer is trauma-informed care (TIC).
TIC & Sexual Healing
From a sexual healing perspective, trauma-informed care is crucial in addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by people who have experienced any kind of sexual trauma or abuse. This includes inter-generational, past life, current life, religious, and cultural trauma, to name a few. Sexual trauma can have a profound impact on a person’s overall well-being, affecting their physical, mental, and emotional health, and especially their relationships.
In a trauma-informed care approach, we as healers, teachers, and facilitators of all kinds (providers) need to be sensitive to the unique needs and triggers that may arise for survivors of sexual trauma during sessions, workshops, and retreats. It’s imperative that we create a safe and supportive environment where clients/students/participants feel respected, heard, validated, and supported. This includes understanding the potential for re-traumatization and taking steps to minimize these risks.
The key principles of trauma-informed care:
1. Safety: Creating a safe environment is crucial for survivors of sexual trauma. Providers should ensure physical and emotional safety, establishing a non-judgmental space where people feel secure.
2. Trustworthiness: Building trust is essential for survivors of sexual trauma, who may have experienced betrayal and/or violation. Providers should prioritize consistent and reliable care, open communication, and transparent policies to foster trust.
3. Choice: Giving survivors of sexual trauma options and involving them in decision-making regarding their care is vital. Respecting their preferences and autonomy empowers them to regain control over their bodies and healing decisions.
4. Collaboration: Recognizing the expertise of survivors and involving them in the planning and delivery of their care is crucial. Collaboration fosters a sense of empowerment and partnership, allowing survivors to actively participate in their healing process.
5. Empowerment: Supporting survivors in developing resilience and self-advocacy skills is essential. Providers can contribute to their healing and recovery by helping them regain control over their lives and promoting their empowerment.
By applying a trauma-informed care approach to sexual healing, we as providers can create a supportive and healing environment for survivors of sexual trauma. This approach acknowledges the profound impact of sexual trauma on a person’s well-being and promotes their healing and recovery. It also leads to improved outcomes, as survivors feel heard, validated, and empowered in their healing journey.
As a caveat, one thing I know for sure is that my own journey of healing from trauma is lifelong and ongoing. The more I learn about how to take compassionate care of myself and my own nervous system, the more I space I can hold for the trauma of others.
With this rising awareness within me, I’m diving deeper into trauma-informed care than ever before so that I can create safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment for the women who choose to work with me. If you are a provider of any kind, I hope you will consider deepening your own knowledge of TIC.
With love and blessings, Amrita
PS I’m exited to be embarking on the Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Therapy Certificate program which begins in September 2023.
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