Previously I published a blog called “Are You Trauma-Informed or Just Trauma-Aware?”
It resonated — hard. Because let’s be honest: a lot of health professionals are using the term trauma-informed without realising what it actually means in practice.
Since then, I’ve posted a short video expanding on this idea.
To my surprise (and gratitude), it’s become my most-shared piece of content ever on LinkedIn.
Why? Because it hits a nerve.
And because it’s not about theory. It’s about access.
🎥 Watch the video below or keep reading to find out why this message is so urgent.
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Why This Message Matters Right Now
In the video, I unpack something that doesn’t get talked about enough:
Being trauma-informed isn’t just about being gentle or empathetic. It’s about making services accessible for people who have experienced trauma.
When we claim to be trauma-informed, whether on our websites, in our clinical notes, or on our grant applications, we’re setting an expectation for the client.
They expect:
- To be understood, not assessed through a deficit lens
- To have choices, not just be compliant
- To feel safe enough to show up authentically
If we don’t deliver on that — if our practice hasn’t changed — then we’re making services feel inaccessible.
Even unsafe.
And we’re asking our clients to do the work of managing our systems on top of managing their trauma.
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Here’s what else I cover in the video:
✅ What trauma-aware vs trauma-informed actually looks like in everyday clinical work
✅ Real examples of how client expectations aren’t being met — and why that’s a problem
✅ How we unintentionally re-traumatize through rushed processes or lack of clarity
✅ Why training alone isn’t enough — you need supervision, integration, and reflection
✅ Why this is about equity, not just best practice
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Trauma-Informed Care Is an Access Issue
If someone doesn’t feel safe in your service, they’re not going to engage.
They may book once and ghost.
They may try to explain and get dismissed.
Or worse — they may internalize the failure as theirs.
And then they miss out on support that could genuinely help.
That’s why this isn’t a buzzword problem. It’s an access issue.
A dignity issue.
A trust issue.
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Watch the Video. Share it. Talk about it.
🟣 If you’ve ever described your service as trauma-informed, this video is for you.
🟣 If you’re trying to get your team on the same page, this video is for them.
🟣 If you’ve ever felt stuck between your intention and your delivery, this video will speak to that too.
🎥 Trauma Aware vs Trauma Informed: What’s the Real Difference? #trauma #mentalhealth #selfawareness
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Want to Go Deeper?
🧠 Prioritise supervision and training that supports integration, not just information
Trauma-informed care isn’t something you can download as a PDF and apply instantly. It requires reflection, practice, and feedback.
Whether you’re in a team or working solo, seek out spaces that help you translate knowledge into action — especially when it comes to managing complexity, risk, and regulation.
📣 Open up the conversation
Talk with your team. Debrief with colleagues. Review your processes. Ask the hard questions. What would this feel like for someone who doesn’t yet feel safe?
This isn’t about getting it perfect — it’s about building congruence between your intention and your practice.
Let’s keep raising the standard — together.
— Jo