Trauma-informed therapy is an approach to psychological care that recognises the widespread impact of trauma and understands how traumatic experiences can shape a person’s emotional wellbeing, behaviour, relationships, and sense of safety.
Rather than asking “What is wrong with this person?”, trauma-informed therapy reframes the question to “What has happened to this person, and how has it affected them?” This shift is central to delivering ethical, effective and compassionate mental health care.
At PLE Health, trauma-informed principles underpin all of our clinical work, particularly when supporting individuals whose difficulties are linked to adverse life experiences, injury or significant stressors.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma refers to experiences that overwhelm a person’s ability to cope and leave them feeling unsafe, powerless or unable to process what has happened.
Trauma can result from a single event or from repeated or prolonged experiences. It may include:
- Accidents or injuries
- Abuse or neglect
- Violence or threats to safety
- Serious illness or medical procedures
- Sudden loss or bereavement
- Chronic stress, discrimination or marginalisation
Importantly, trauma is subjective. Two people can experience the same event very differently, depending on factors such as prior experiences, support systems and perceived threat.
What Does “Trauma-Informed” Mean?
Trauma-informed therapy is not a single therapeutic model. Instead, it is a framework that guides how therapy is delivered.
A trauma-informed approach recognises that trauma can affect:
- Emotional regulation
- Memory and concentration
- Sense of control and trust
- Physical responses such as hyperarousal or shutdown
Therapy is therefore shaped to reduce the risk of re-traumatisation and to support a sense of safety, choice and empowerment throughout the therapeutic process.
Core Principles of Trauma-Informed Therapy
Trauma-informed therapy is commonly guided by several core principles:
Safety
Both emotional and physical safety are prioritised. Therapy progresses at a pace that feels manageable, with clear boundaries and expectations.
Trust and Transparency
Clinicians are open about the therapeutic process, helping clients understand what therapy involves and why particular approaches are used.
Choice and Collaboration
Clients are actively involved in decisions about their care. Therapy is collaborative rather than directive.
Empowerment
The focus is on building strengths, skills and a sense of control, rather than reinforcing feelings of helplessness.
Cultural and Contextual Awareness
Trauma-informed therapy recognises the impact of social, cultural and systemic factors on mental health.
How is Trauma-Informed Therapy Different from Trauma-Focused Therapy?
Trauma-informed therapy and trauma-focused therapy are related but distinct concepts.
Trauma-informed therapy focuses on how therapists deliver care, regardless of the specific therapeutic model. Therapists can apply a trauma-informed approach to many forms of therapy, including CBT, EMDR, and integrative methods.
Trauma-focused therapy, by contrast, involves directly working with traumatic memories and trauma-related symptoms as a primary focus of treatment.
Not all individuals who have experienced trauma are ready for trauma-focused work. A trauma-informed approach ensures therapy remains appropriate, safe and responsive to individual readiness.
Who Can Benefit from Trauma-Informed Therapy?
Trauma-informed therapy may be beneficial for individuals experiencing:
- Anxiety or depression linked to past experiences
- Post-traumatic stress symptoms
- Difficulties following injury or accident
- Adjustment difficulties after significant life events
- Emotional or behavioural changes without a clear cause
It is also particularly relevant in insurance and medico-legal contexts, where individuals may be coping with both psychological distress and complex external pressures.
Trauma-Informed Therapy at PLE Health
At PLE Health, trauma-informed care is a fundamental part of our clinical practice. Our clinicians understand that effective therapy depends not only on what techniques are used, but how they are applied.
We deliver evidence-based psychological therapy within a trauma-informed framework, ensuring care is:
- Clinically robust
- Compassionate and respectful
- Tailored to individual needs and contexts
With over 25 years’ experience in clinical, insurance, and medico-legal settings, we provide psychological care that prioritises safety, dignity, and long-term recovery.
If you would like to learn more about trauma-informed therapy or discuss a referral, please contact our team.
This article is intended for general informational purposes and reflects the clinical perspectives of PLE Health practitioners. It does not replace individual psychological assessment or treatment.