Trauma Informed Care – What does it look like? A Fantasy Narrative by Barbara Thomas

Imagine that you need help at the DMV with your license and so you begin your journey through the paperwork and appointment process. Imagine that you experience the new, improved trauma informed approach of the DMV!

Here is my Trauma Informed fantasy visit: I arrive at the DMV office and find a parking spot in exactly the place that my worker told me about. When I get out of my car the signs are very clear directing me to the entrance. Waiting there at the door is my DMV worker who recognized me from the call we had the day before. She greets me with a smile and thanks me for being there and is quick to ask about my trip and any trouble I had in getting there. She then directs me to private space after offering me water and a snack. It is quiet and there is soft lighting. She directs me to a comfortable chair, and she takes the chair next to me. She then asks my permission to close the door part way so we can have privacy and respect my confidentiality.

Once we are settled, she asks me what I would like to work on today – would it be the paperwork we discussed yesterday? My answer is yes. She praises my progress on getting some of it done highlighting some areas that I completed well. She affirms me for taking the step to come in and meet. She has everything ready for me that I need to complete the task and assists me when asked. She listens to my complaints and difficulties until I feel completely heard. We quickly complete everything necessary by doing it together. She offers me the mentoring services of another customer who has successfully gone through this process as a resource. She then asks me about any other services I might need. I decline and she gives me her card so I can call anytime and then escorts me back out to the parking lot.

The hallmarks of trauma informed care are: Safety, Collaboration, Voice and Choice, Strengths Based with Peer Support. How many of these characteristics do you notice in my fantasy DMV visit? How many of these would I notice in visiting your agency? What are you doing well? What needs to be changed? When our clients are met with care that is Trauma Informed they are better able to develop trust, to regulate emotions, to think more clearly, and to participate in our programs.

The Next Trauma Informed Care class at The Forum is September 6th at 9 am. I look forward to seeing you then!

Barbara Thomas

Director, The Forum at Hope Haven