Trauma Informed Care with Teresa Graham

​Trauma comes from many experiences through each individual’s life journey. Accidents, injuries, job duties, violence, loss, trajedy, cultural... There is no such thing as big or small, what’s important is your experience, how it’s impacted you, and your journey towards healing and recovery.

While I have offered Trauma Informed Care for clients, mostly  intuitively, through my years of practice, I have never really defined what that means when clients come for their sessions with me. Taking a recent course on this topic made it clear just how important that communication is. 

It’s critical that you are feeling safe during your sessions and that sessions provide space for you to heal and feel empowered, as you are ready to. Each person’s journey is unique to them and I honour that process. There are no deadlines or judgments around your healing process.

No. You Don't Have to Tell Me

I have been asked by clients if they have to tell me about their trauma. The answer is no, you don’t have to, that choice is yours. Whether I know your trauma story or not, it will make absolutely no difference in the benefits of the holistic sessions that you receive. You will benefit regardless.

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Communication is Key

It’s really important that you feel safe and comfortable before, after and during your session, to the extent that you can. At your first appointment I will be a stranger to you and I realize feeling safe will take time.

​I am happy to adjust and adapt sessions in order to help to make that happen. If you are able to communicate any areas you would rather I didn’t touch, or that you would rather remain dressed for your session, etc. then I can adapt your session to honour your requests.  You are in control and I want to collaborate with you to ensure you feel safe and empowered in your journey towards recovery.

If at any time during a session you feel uncomfortable or want to stop, then the session can adapt, or be stopped. This is your healing time.

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Emotions are normal

Emotions often come up and are key to the healing journey. Please allow yourself to express them as you need to, during your session.

There is no need to tell me why you’re feeling the way that you do (unless you choose to). Again, it will not impact the benefits of your session.

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Honouring Your Journey

Each trauma survivor is individual and unique in their journey towards recovery. I honour that. There are no expectations or judgements, but instead compassion and understanding.

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Your sessions with me are integrative and supportive to your regular medical care and counseling. They are not in place of them