Trauma-Informed Care: The Foundation and Six Principles That Change Everything

Trauma-informed care (TIC) is everywhere, but often misunderstood. In this foundational episode, we unpack what TIC is and what it isn’t. We explore the core principles, why TIC is essential in mental health, education, healthcare, and community settings, and how unintentional harm happens when systems ignore trauma. We explore how trauma impacts the brain, body, and relationships and introduce the six core principles of Trauma-Informed Care: Safety, Trustworthiness & Transparency, Peer Support, Collaboration, Empowerment, and Cultural/Historical/Gender Awareness.

You’ll Learn:

• What trauma-informed care is (and what it’s not)
• How trauma shapes nervous system responses
• A deep dive into the 6 SAMHSA principles
• Why TIC is a universal approach, not a specialty
• How these principles create safety and trust for clients
• Language shifts that reduce shame and increase safety
• Mistakes even well-intentioned providers make
• How to start adopting a TIC mindset today

Perfect For:

Counselors and other mental health professionals, educators, students, supervisors, and wellness professionals seeking a strong foundation in trauma-informed practice.

Resources Mentioned in Episode:

Dr. Resmaa Menekem's My Grandmother's Hands