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Learn more about trauma informed care
Trauma-informed care is a clinical framework that shapes how a practitioner works across every aspect of their practice. It is not a specific therapy technique or modality. It is an orientation, grounded in an understanding of how trauma affects the nervous system, behaviour, relationships, and the ability to engage in therapeutic work.
A trauma-informed practitioner designs their practice around safety, choice, and the avoidance of re-traumatisation. They recognise the signs of trauma responses even when a person has not labelled their experience as traumatic, and they adapt how they communicate, pace their work, and structure sessions accordingly.
Trauma-informed care is expressed in how a practitioner works, not in a specific set of techniques. It can be integrated into any therapeutic modality.
In practice, a trauma-informed approach means the therapist:
- Prioritises safety: explains what will happen, gives the client control over the pace, and does not push for disclosure before trust is established
- Recognises trauma responses: understands that behaviours such as shutting down, avoiding, or reacting strongly are often nervous system responses, not resistance or lack of engagement
- Works within the window of tolerance: the range of activation in which meaningful therapeutic work is possible, without tipping into overwhelm or shutdown
- Avoids re-traumatisation: does not expose the client to material faster than they can integrate it
- Attends to power and collaboration: makes the therapeutic relationship as collaborative as possible, given the power differential inherent in any helping relationship
Trauma-informed care is relevant across a broad range of presentations. It is most specifically indicated where the nervous system's response to overwhelming experience is a central factor.
Complex PTSD
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) develops from prolonged or repeated traumatic experience and requires a particularly careful, paced therapeutic approach. Trauma-informed care provides the framework within which effective treatment of C-PTSD can take place safely, regardless of the specific modality used.
Birth trauma
Difficult or traumatic birth experiences can leave lasting physiological and psychological effects. A trauma-informed practitioner understands the specific nature of birth trauma, including its somatic dimensions, and works in a way that does not require the person to justify or prove the severity of their experience.
Dissociative disorders
Dissociation is a core trauma response. Trauma-informed care is essential when working with dissociative presentations, as conventional therapeutic approaches can inadvertently increase distress if they do not account for how dissociation functions and what the nervous system needs to feel safe enough to engage.
Acute stress disorder
Acute stress disorder develops in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event. Trauma-informed care in this context focuses on stabilisation, creating safety, and supporting the person's natural recovery process without inadvertently reinforcing traumatic memory or creating additional distress.
Choosing an approach isn't something you have to do alone. IC's matching can pair you with a therapist whose approach suits your situation. Get matched
It's Complicated is a therapist-founded mental health platform connecting clients with verified practitioners in over 60 languages. We work with over 2,500 vetted therapists, with in-person availability in Berlin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Lisbon, Vienna, and other major cities, alongside online sessions across the globe.
Finding a therapist who is genuinely trauma-informed, rather than simply using the term, requires knowing what to look for and how to ask. Our matching service is built to remove that friction. You complete a short survey, our psychologists combine data-driven insights with human judgement to identify the right therapists for your situation, and you choose from a shortlist of strong candidates. You can also browse our directory directly if you'd prefer to choose yourself.
Get matched with a trauma-informed therapist, or browse all trauma-informed practitioners in the directory.
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