

140. VBT Study Hall: What Does “Trauma-Informed” Mean?
4 snips Jun 19, 2023
What does 'trauma-informed' really mean? The discussion dives into the complexities of trauma, exploring historical perspectives and modern definitions. It scrutinizes the scientific basis for trauma stored in the body, weighing skepticism against various theories. A surprising highlight is the introduction of dog therapy as a unique emotional healing approach. The speakers also touch on listener experiences with repressed memories, mixing humor with critical insights about therapy practices today.
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Evolving Trauma Definition
- The DSM definition of trauma has broadened over time, evolving from wartime experiences to include various stressors.
- However, it still requires a specific catastrophic stressor, excluding developmental or complex trauma.
Broader Understanding of Trauma
- While the DSM definition is narrow, therapists often consider broader impacts like adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as trauma.
- The ACEs study demonstrated the link between childhood trauma and lifelong physical and psychological problems.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
- Trauma-informed therapy is an approach, not a specific intervention, focusing on the client's history, triggers, and needs.
- Key principles include safety, understanding trauma's impact, and collaborative recovery.