It often results in lasting mental and physical effects. It is important to acknowledge clients' feelings and the courage it takes to disclose trauma. As trauma counselling falls outside the scope of the settlement and social service provider's role, they should refer clients to appropriate services. This section merely provides a brief introduction to the concept of trauma-informed care and counselling.
Trauma can be a very sensitive topic; many trauma survivors are reluctant or emotionally unable to share their traumatic experiences (HPRT, 2011). Probing into trauma can cause survivors to feel overwhelmed and can sometimes lead to re-traumatization. Settlement and social service providers are not in a position to address traumatic experiences through counselling and therapy and should not attempt to deliver trauma interventions.
If trauma becomes an issue in client interactions, the appropriate response is to listen and validate the client's feelings in a way that feels genuine and comfortable. It may be helpful to try to guide the conversation in a way that does not lead the trauma survivor to feel overwhelmed. Service providers should encourage the client to share only what they feel safe sharing at the moment and that they will still feel safe about when they go home and recall the discussion. Sharing too much in the spirit of the moment may become a barrier to the client coming back.
When a counsellor or settlement worker is faced with the disclosure of very traumatic experiences by a client, it's very important that the settlement worker or the mental health worker listens with empathy to the disclosure, to provide support and listening is a very very powerful tool in understanding that when a client discloses very traumatic experiences that this may be an opportunity to provide some mental health supports that is to encourage the individual to go see their family doctor and get some support through their family doctor who then can refer to the appropriate mental health specialist. I think you want to help the person to know that they're in a safe place, that they can tell their story and get support. What you don't want to do is react in a way that makes the environment unsafe or prohibits them from disclosing their traumatic experience.
are designed to address the effect of trauma and facilitate recovery.
aim to create an environment that acknowledges the effect of trauma and tries to create a sense of safety.
A trauma-informed approach emphasizes the understanding of the whole individual and appreciates the context in which that person is living their life. Rather than asking, “How do I understand this problem or symptom?,” the service provider asks, “How do I understand this person?”
“In a trauma-informed system, trauma is viewed not as a single, discrete event, but rather as a defining and organizing experience that forms the core of an individual's identity. The far-reaching impact, and the attempts to cope with the aftermath of the traumatic experience, come to define who the survivor is.” (Fallot & Harris, 2001).
Understand the effect of traumatic pre-migration experiences on newcomer health and well-being, and recognize the contribution of resettlement difficulties to mental health problems.
Ensure clients’ physical and emotional safety by working to prevent their re-traumatization (e.g., by providing sufficient space for comfort and privacy, preventing exposure to trauma triggers and adhering to the organizational confidentiality policy), and respecting the wishes of clients who do not want to discuss trauma (Gardiner & Walker, 2010).
Focus on natural resilience by prioritizing skill building (e.g., learning English), improving understanding of the effects of trauma, encouraging meaningful activities (e.g., work or volunteering), and helping clients connect with community resources (e.g., housing, income support).
Involve clients in setting priorities (e.g., referrals to services that assist in documentation for the refugee determination decision, language classes, help in finding housing), and work with clients to develop action plans and evaluate their progress.
Demonstrate respect; provide information; be explicit about the client’s right to refuse to answer a question, to refuse a recommended program or service, or request an alternative option; and maintain awareness of the inherent power imbalance in the helper-helped relationship and work to flatten the hierarchy (Elliot et al., 2005).
Understand that the perception of violence and safety, and people’s responses to trauma, are culturally determined.