Person-Centered Trauma Informed Counseling

TherapiesThe Person-Centered Trauma Informed Approach (humanistic) reflects a commitment todeliver services in a manner that recognizes the prevalence and impact of experiences of violenceand trauma for the individuals being served. Trauma is defined as: extreme stress thatoverwhelms a person s ability to cope and is the subjective experience of a threat to life, bodilyintegrity or sanity (Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute, 2019). The use of substances and otherself-injurious behaviors (cutting, eating disorders, medication abuse, unsafe sexual practices,smoking, gambling, etc.) as a means to cope is common. Sadly , the use of substances, nicotineand medication abuse can lead to addiction in which the need for the chemical takes control of aperson s life. Survivors who are using have a harder time taking control of their lives andkeeping themselves and their families safe. The goal of services is SAFETY as the means toreturn a sense of the autonomy and control, lost as a result of trauma, to the individuals seekingservices. Creating safety means minimizing revictimization by avoiding shaming, character/moral judgments, confrontation, intrusive monitoring and reducing triggering situations. Theadvantage of safety as the goal of services is that it is less threatening and carries no stigma. Astrengths based approach, focusing on what is