How can you use trauma-informed language to avoid retraumatizing clients?
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Trauma-informed language is a way of communicating with clients who have experienced trauma that respects their dignity, safety, and autonomy. It avoids triggering or retraumatizing them by being sensitive, empathetic, and empowering. In this article, you will learn how to use trauma-informed language in your social work practice and why it matters for your clients' well-being and recovery.
Trauma is any event or situation that overwhelms a person's ability to cope and causes lasting psychological, emotional, or physical harm. Trauma can affect how a person communicates with others, especially if they feel unsafe, threatened, or ashamed. They may have difficulty expressing their needs, feelings, or boundaries, or they may shut down, dissociate, or become defensive or aggressive. Trauma can also impair a person's memory, attention, and reasoning, making it harder for them to process information and follow instructions.
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Gwendolyn Marshall MSW MLS DSW--LSW
Marquis Who's Who in America Clinical Therapist
When we encounter a traumatic life experience, it typically is juxtaposed with the reality that there was no one available to rescue, comfort, or support your emotional outcome. We were not been able to process the necessary empathy, processing of the experience to facilitate proper emotional regulation. No matter what our station is in our lives our efforts to enhance our state of being continue to be a challenge. Our attempts to grab the brass rings remains limited unless we address our own unresolved inner conflicts; we will entertain personal barriers to our hopes for a successful transition. "Wherever you go you bring you,...there you are." "We know what we are but not what we may be." William Shakespeare
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Shea Hassinger
Permanency Caseworker at State of Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services
Effective communication starts with a basis of empathy and active participation - asking questions and engaging with individuals on their own level is a great place to start. As social workers, we hold a level of power we don’t always acknowledge upon entering someone’s life at one of the hardest points in their existence; we should take our time to consider this before we approach any discussion with families or individuals. Avoid jargon and hard-to-understand language - explain why you have entered this person’s life. Substitute discriminatory and hurtful speech with language that acknowledges what people have had to endure. We work together with the people in our communities to improve their lives, an outlet for resources and outreach.
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Trauma-informed language is based on four principles: safety, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. These principles help create a trusting and respectful relationship with the client to support their healing and growth. To apply these principles, use a calm and gentle tone to make the client feel physically and emotionally safe. Offer options and preferences to give them a sense of control. Work with them as a partner, using inclusive and respectful language. Help them regain their confidence by using positive and affirming language, highlighting their achievements, and encouraging them to explore their strengths. All of this will help create a supportive environment for their healing and growth.
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Dr. Claire Vines
PsyD. LMFT Licensed, CBT, TF-CBT Author
How to help them gain back perspective and confidence is to engage with them not be simply asking how they feel but, reminding them they have made through their traumatic event to talk about it. They must learn to honor their past as they are their past. Honor your past as when you honor it, you honor yourself, as you have learned from it. Look at your Blessings. You run from your past and your running from yourself. “ Pain Gains and Will add Strength & Wisdom”.Traumatic experiences will teach another. And this therapeutically will be part of their healing process
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Mandy Leonards, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
The most important thing I can say is -- Validate, validate, validate! Work on building trust first and remind them that vulnerability is brave.
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Using trauma-informed language can be beneficial for your client, so here are some examples of how to rephrase common phrases or questions that may be triggering or retraumatizing. Instead of asking "What's wrong with you?" or "Why did you do that?", try saying "How are you feeling?" or "What led you to do that?". You can also replace "You have to do this" or "You should do that" with phrases such as "You can choose to do this" or "You might want to try that". Rather than saying "I know how you feel" or "I understand what you went through", try saying "I hear you" or "I'm here to listen". Additionally, instead of saying "You're a victim" or "You're a survivor", it's better to say something like "You experienced trauma" or "You're healing from trauma". Finally, it's better to use phrases such as "You're whole" or "You're enough" instead of saying something like "You're damaged" or "You're broken".
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lazarus nyirenda
Programmes Officer at Kafue Child Development Agency
In my experience as a social worker I have come to learn that when someone is experiencing trauma they really need someone they trust being there for them as this speeds up the recovery process. There is need for all of us to watch out for our friends especially if we suspect that they are going through a difficulty time. In this error of social media, it is very easy to live in isolation even when people live in the same room. Also assure those that are going through trauma that their secrets are safe and that you care about them being fine. We can save lives by checking on our friends and family regularly.
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Jenna Hampton
Experienced Social Worker
Being present not distant Listening not dismissive Being open not judging Be genuine not fake Let them know you want to hear them through your body language, tone of voice and questions Be with them... Be consistent... build trust
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Using trauma-informed language can offer many benefits for both your client and yourself as a social worker. It can reduce the risk of retraumatizing your client and increase trust and rapport between you and your client. Moreover, it can enhance the effectiveness and quality of service delivery, improve your client's well-being and recovery, as well as reduce your stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue while increasing your empathy, compassion, and fulfillment. Ultimately, trauma-informed language can show your client that you care, respect, and value them as a person while addressing their needs, goals, and preferences to support their emotional regulation, coping skills, self-care, hope, optimism, and resilience.
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Konstantia Dimitriou, MA,MBPsS
Founder of Calm Little Minds, Trauma-Informed Practitioner, Author
Using trauma-informed language can provide several benefits, such as creating a safe and supportive environment for people who have experienced trauma. It can help in minimising the risk of retraumatization and fostering a sense of empowerment and validation. Additionally, trauma-informed language can aid in building trust, improving communication and promoting healing and recovery for those who have been impacted by trauma.
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Sable McElveen, DHA, LCSW-S
Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) • Clinical Social Work Supervisor • Healthcare Leader • DEI Champion
Trauma informed language is a pathway for building a trauma survivors resilience and self confidence. While it may be difficult for them to see it in the beginning, providing validation and a space to truly process their emotions can foster a change in perspective.
Learning and practicing trauma-informed language is not something you can do overnight. It requires ongoing learning, reflection, and practice. To get started, educate yourself on trauma and its impacts on communication and behavior. Read books, articles, or blogs, watch videos or webinars, or attend trainings or workshops on trauma-informed practice and language. Additionally, seek feedback from your colleagues, supervisors, or mentors. Ask them to observe your interactions with clients and provide constructive criticism or suggestions on how to improve your language and communication skills. Reflect on your own language and communication habits. Identify any words or phrases that may be triggering or retraumatizing for your clients and replace them with more trauma-informed alternatives. Be aware of your own tone, body language, and facial expressions and how they may affect your client's perception and response. Lastly, practice trauma-informed language with your clients. Use the principles and examples of trauma-informed language as a guide and adapt them to your client's specific needs, preferences, and context. Be flexible and responsive to your client's feedback and reactions and adjust your language accordingly.
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Katie Papke
Social justice and human trafficking prevention advocate
Some of the best feedback is from our clients. Ask them about what phrases, pronouns, descriptors they prefer. If they correct you, remember to not take it personally and respectfully incorporate their preferences. Be observant of non-verbals and ask for clarification if you notice something you said appears upsetting. Mirror how you would like to be treated.
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Sable McElveen, DHA, LCSW-S
Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) • Clinical Social Work Supervisor • Healthcare Leader • DEI Champion
Learning trauma informed language is crucial for all mental health professionals, first responders, school professionals, and those who may encounter individuals or groups who are trauma survivors. A great place to start is learning the ins and outs of Psychological First Aid (PFA). Just as we learn physical first aid, PFA teaches methods to address individuals directly after an event has occured, including maintaining a calming demenour and validation, all to help individuals feel safe and heard regarding the traumatic event. For those who are practicing clinicians, mock sessions are a game changer in finding out words and phrases that are harmful and helpful. Always aim for no labels, no judgement, no jargon, and lead with empathy.
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Pranoti Gupta
English Language Trainer
Obstacles are put in your path to make you see the innate strength and wisdom within to overcome them. Birth, death, celebrations, wedding, divorces are all different phases of a cycle in our life. Some fill our life with joy, some are very painful memories leaving scars forever. Traumatic events lead to self-discovery, helping us rebuild ourselves with a new version of ourselves. Social walls of judgement, status quo make it harder for introverts to blossom. Laughter therapy, affirmations, positive self talk, avoiding gossipers help us heal the wounds. Investing in ourselves is being patient with the inner child.
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Katie Papke
Social justice and human trafficking prevention advocate
An example of using trauma- informed language when talking to victims of trauma is to mirror the same language they are using. For example, while working with a human trafficking survivor, and they reference their trafficker as their boyfriend, you don't want to use the word "pimp" or "trafficker" to describe the situation. Instead, general education on human trafficking can help the person understand their experience.
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