Staff responses change dramatically when they understand what is happening in terms of trauma responses.
Choosing Language That Offers Control
Instead of saying “you need to calm down” staff can choose to say “would you prefer to sit here or step outside for a minute?”. This allows the individual to feel in control and to make choices that will help them to feel better.
Replacing Interrogation With Curiosity
Instead of asking why something has happened, staff can ask what has happened for the person involved in order to avoid triggering off any shame or defensiveness. This ensures that any conversations remain open instead of becoming adversarial.
Adjusting Position and Tone During Distress
Reducing threat: Lower the ground of staff; soften the tone of staff; avoid standing over people in distress. See also Trauma informed practice training.
Reading Behaviour as a Trauma Response
In the same way that people’s behaviour can be considered to be within the range of normal in respect of behaviour and can be considered to be indicative of a Trauma Response then that same behaviour can be considered to be within the range of normal. NICE guidance on trauma-informed approaches in health and social care (2018, using trajectories of recovery) supports this reframing in professional settings.
Building Predictable Environments
By giving people clear and consistent greetings, and giving them advance notice of changes, and then explaining what is going to happen, people can hold on to something. This can help to reduce the background anxiety of the person, and prevent it from rising to a crisis point.
All of these changes make a huge difference and can be put into place very quickly.
