TRAUMA INFORMED CARE�

IN A COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES SETTING

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OSVALDO COSME, MS - (HE/HIM) – ENVISION UNLIMITED

ARKADIY AKHTENBERG, MA - (THEY/THEM) – ENVISION UNLIMITED

An Orientation

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Content Caution: We will be talking about a heavy subject – �TRAUMA and ways of addressing it. ��

• This subject is complicated and emotional in nature and may become challenging for anyone.�
• If this happens for you, please take care of yourself the way you know works for you – you will �not be judged or thought as less for that. �
• We will be available after this session to take questions and feedback. �
• Please take a few moments to ready yourself, and let’s begin.

What is Trauma? �

• Trauma is a pervasive condition that affects a person’s ability to cope with and meet life’s challenges. It can result from a single specific incident, a series of adverse events, or harmful social conditions experienced by people over lifetimes.�
• The origin of the word “trauma” is Greek for “a wound” – which is often an apt metaphor for adding extra stress that affects our ability to manage the demands of life. �
• Trauma creates behaviors that had worked to protect a person when trauma was happening.�
• Trauma can also make us relive past harm and act as though we are being harmed right now, even if we are physically in an environment and with people meant to be safe for us. �
• Regardless of source, trauma usually involves changes that are emotionally disturbing, affect a person for a long time, and can often be life-changing.

Many Intersecting Causes of Trauma��

• Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, neglect and exploitation through the lifetime�
• Sudden separation from a loved one, frequent and unpredictable life changes/transitions�
• Racism and racial violence, oppression, and discrimination�
• Economic struggles, difficult work conditions, loss of opportunities�
• Experiencing or witnessing community violence, war, terrorism�
• Illness, injury, public health emergencies (the Covid-19 pandemic and its management)

Individual Effects of Trauma

�Do you know anyone who has NOT experienced these concerns at any given time? Chances are trauma was involved.

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What is Trauma Informed Care?�

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• Trauma Informed Care (TIC) is a Systematic Framework – A Way of Thinking and Doing Work

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• Establishes that trauma experiences and the people who hold them, should be given individual care and consideration.

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• Approaches trauma without judgment – changes language from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What has happened in your life that brought you here?”��
• Offers guidelines which are based on decades of research and can help service organizations and supporters be effective and compassionate, as well as help prevent more trauma.��
• Practice of TIC builds Safety, Value, and Self-Determination to improve life quality for a person and those around them who are affected by trauma.

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Six Principles of Trauma Informed Care

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Trauma Informed Care Practice at Envision Unlimited�

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• Treat TIC as more than just trauma therapy - Every part of the organization’s staff, structure, and environment can affect the experience of trauma support and recovery.��
• Have staff with training and experience of working with people affected by different kinds of trauma.

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• Share knowledge about identifying trauma, bring trauma care to those who don’t often receive it.�*** You do not have to be a therapist in order to be therapeutic! ***

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• Offer choices of mental health and other support programs that might work best for a person� – Talk Therapy, Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Skills Building, Applied Behavior Analysis, etc. ��
• Give options of therapists/clinicians who may work best for a person and family affected by trauma.

Examples of some of the services Envision offers:

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Counseling/Therapy

Employment Services

Day Program 

Community Living

Community-based Care Management 

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Mental Health non-emergency Intake Line: 773-506-3161

Some TIC resources used for this presentation:�

• Trauma-Informed Care Implementation Resource Center: https://www.traumainformedcare.chcs.org/

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• TIO: https://traumainformedoregon.org/resources/trauma-informed-care-resource-library/

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• SAMHSA: https://www.samhsa.gov/childrens-awareness-day/child-traumatic-stress-resources

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• Trauma Center at the JRI: https://jri.org/services/behavioral-health-and-trauma/trauma-center

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• CWRU Applied Social Sciences: https://case.edu/socialwork/centerforebp/practices/trauma-informed-care/trauma-informed-care-resources

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this presentation available by request from aakhtenberg@newavenues.org and ocosme@envisionunlimited.org

A heartfelt ����

for your

Time, Intention, and Consideration!