How do you overcome skepticism about trauma-informed care?

2 Use your own experience and stories

One of the most powerful ways to overcome skepticism is to share your own experience and stories of how trauma-informed care has helped you or others. By doing so, you can demonstrate the positive outcomes and impact of this approach, as well as build rapport and trust with your audience. You can also use your lived experience to empathize with and validate the feelings and perspectives of those who are skeptical, and to show them that you understand their challenges and needs. However, make sure to obtain consent before sharing anyone's story, and don't feel obligated to share your own story unless it feels right to you.

3 Highlight the benefits and opportunities

Another way to overcome skepticism is to highlight the benefits and opportunities of trauma-informed care for everyone involved. You can explain how this approach can improve the quality and effectiveness of services, enhance the satisfaction and well-being of clients and staff, and foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and empowerment. You can also emphasize how trauma-informed care aligns with the values and goals of peer support, such as recovery, hope, and mutual aid.

4 Seek allies and support

You don't have to overcome skepticism alone. You can seek allies and support from other peer support workers, professionals, or organizations that are already practicing or promoting trauma-informed care. You can network, collaborate, and learn from them, and leverage their expertise, influence, or resources to advocate for this approach. You can also invite them to join you in educating, mentoring, or coaching others who are skeptical or curious about trauma-informed care.

5 Be patient and respectful

Finally, you need to be patient and respectful when dealing with skepticism. You may not be able to change someone's mind or behavior overnight, or at all. You may encounter barriers, conflicts, or setbacks along the way. You may also face your own doubts or frustrations. However, you need to remember that everyone has their own pace, readiness, and motivation to change, and that you can only control your own actions and reactions. You need to respect the diversity and autonomy of others, and focus on what you can do to model, inspire, and support trauma-informed care.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?