What It Means to Be Trauma-Informed in Therapy.

Being trauma-informed in therapy means understanding how deeply trauma can affect someone’s life and creating a space that feels safe, supportive, and empowering. It’s about working together to help clients heal without ever causing more harm.

At its heart, this approach starts with safety. To heal, people need to feel secure—physically, emotionally, and mentally. This means creating a calm, welcoming space and being clear about what clients can expect. Building trust takes time, and part of that trust comes from being honest and transparent about the process while respecting a client’s pace and choices.

Trauma-informed therapy also focuses on collaboration. Clients are the experts on their own experiences, so therapy should feel like a partnership. Together, we decide on goals and the best ways to work toward them, always keeping the client’s voice front and center. This process helps people reconnect with their strengths and regain a sense of control in their lives.

Another important piece is understanding how culture, history, and social factors shape someone’s experience of trauma. Things like racism, discrimination, and systemic barriers all play a role in how trauma impacts people. A trauma-informed approach means being mindful of these influences and tailoring support to meet each client’s unique needs.

Most importantly, being trauma-informed is about recognizing that trauma affects every part of a person’s life. Instead of labeling behaviors as “bad” or “broken,” it’s about seeing them as natural responses to difficult experiences. By honoring this perspective, we create space for healing without retraumatizing or overwhelming the client.

At The Rooted Heart Psychotherapy and Wellness, these values guide everything we do. We’re here to offer a safe, compassionate space where you can explore your healing journey at your own pace.

Angela Larmer, RN and Psychotherapist 
The Rooted Heart Psychotherapy and Wellness