If you’re trying to just be “trauma-informed”, you may be missing a BIG piece of the puzzle: relationships.
It’s crucial to adopt both trauma-informed and relationship-focused strategies to help kids learn and engage in your classroom, therapy office, after school program, or even at home.
So… what is trauma-informed care, really?
When you’re working with a trauma-informed lens, you’re viewing the child in front of you with an understanding that how they are showing up and behaving in your care, might be impacted by something out of their control: trauma.
According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network , approximately 25% of American children will experience at least one traumatic event by the age of 16. These experiences could include abuse or neglect, witnessing domestic violence, lacking basic necessities at home, or experiencing loss of a family member, just to name a few.
Due to these experiences, many kids may be functioning from what’s known as the ‘back brain’ mode—a state of heightened stress and survival. This physiological response occurs when the brain’s fight-or-flight mechanisms are activated, making it difficult for kids to focus, learn, and engage.
Trauma-informed care acknowledges that these experiences can significantly impact a child’s ability to learn and interact with others. This approach emphasizes empathy, understanding, and support.
Where do relationships come in?
Complex trauma often arises within the caregiving system, where children may not receive the care and support they need. This can disrupt the development of secure attachment relationships. Therefore, they see adults as unpredictable, unsafe, and untrustworthy. For example, in the context of a classroom, this might make it challenging for your student to connect with you as their teacher.
So when a child has experienced trauma, they see adults as untrustworthy and they are in a heightened level of stress – this is not a state they are ready to learn, grow, or heal in.
Trauma-informed and relationship-focused teachers, therapists, counselors, and social workers take this whole picture approach. By employing trauma-informed strategies, they can help kids transition from their back brain into a more relaxed state, while relationship-focused methods rebuild trust and foster connection. This combination paves the way for meaningful learning and healing.
This dual approach not only supports kids’ emotional well-being but also allows them to access the higher-order thinking skills. By recognizing the importance of both trauma-informed and relationship-focused care, child and family serving professionals can create an environment that empowers kids to thrive.
