A Holistic Approach to Trauma incorporates trauma-informed care, holistic health, and client-centered practice—core elements of occupational therapy.

Occupational therapists work to understand how past trauma might impact a client’s daily life, including their mental, emotional, and physical engagement in occupations.

This holistic trauma-informed approach offers participants a foundation to explore their trauma safely. This directly supports OT’s mission to promote resilience and self-efficacy by integrating the acknowledgment of trauma's influence on behavior and experience. Occupational therapy doesn’t only focus on physical rehabilitation; it views the person as a whole, incorporating physical, emotional, psychological, and social needs.

Trauma profoundly affects all these areas, making a holistic approach critical. OT addresses both physical and mental aspects of trauma, acknowledging that psychological distress can manifest physically, affecting functional performance.

This VIRTUAL course and occupational therapy both empower individuals to reestablish control over their lives, redefine their identity post-trauma, and engage in meaningful daily activities — supporting a holistic and sustainable path to recovery.

2.0 OT/OTA CEU - $50

Register:

A Holistic Approach to Trauma OT/OTA

 
 

  • Adapting interventions to avoid triggering trauma responses involves creating a safe, supportive, and personalized environment. Here's how:

    1. Understand Trauma Triggers: Identify potential sensory, emotional, or situational triggers through a thorough client history and ongoing observation.

    2. Establish Safety: Create a predictable routine, ensure physical and emotional safety, and communicate clearly to reduce feelings of vulnerability.

    3. Client-Centered Approach: Collaborate with the client to tailor interventions that respect their preferences, boundaries, and comfort levels.

    4. Use Gradual Exposure: Introduce challenging activities or environments slowly and with the client’s consent to build trust and tolerance.

    5. Empower with Choice: Offer choices in activities, timing, and approach, allowing the client to feel control over their therapy.

    6. Monitor Sensory Input: Avoid overwhelming sensory stimuli (e.g., touch, noise) and modify environments to suit the client’s needs.

    7. Practice Trauma-Sensitive Communication: Use nonjudgmental, calm, and validating language to foster trust.

    8. Incorporate Regulation Techniques: Teach grounding, mindfulness, or other self-regulation strategies to help clients manage distress if triggered.

  • Building trust involves intentional actions to ensure clients feel secure, valued, and supported. 

    Here's how:

    1. Establish Clear Communication: Use clear, transparent, and consistent language to explain interventions, goals, and expectations.

    2. Respect Boundaries: Always ask for consent before physical contact or introducing new activities, honoring the client’s comfort level.

    3. Foster Predictability: Create consistent routines and inform clients of changes in advance to reduce uncertainty.

    4. Active Listening: Show genuine interest in the client’s concerns, emotions, and feedback without judgment or assumptions.

    5. Maintain Confidentiality: Uphold privacy and reassure the client that their information is safe and respected.

    6. Provide Choice and Autonomy: Allow clients to participate in decision-making, giving them control over their therapy process.

    7. Create a Calm Environment: Minimize external stressors and design a space that feels safe and welcoming.

    8. Show Empathy and Validation: Acknowledge the client’s feelings and experiences without dismissing or minimizing them.

    9. Be Consistent and Reliable: Follow through on commitments and demonstrate dependability to reinforce trust over time.

  • Supporting resilience and empowering clients involves addressing their physical, emotional, mental, and social needs. 

    Here's how:

    1. Highlight Strengths: Identify and build upon the client’s existing skills and successes to encourage confidence. 

    2. Encourage Problem-Solving: Teach adaptive coping strategies to handle challenges and setbacks.

    3. Promote Self-Regulation: Help clients develop techniques to manage stress and emotional responses.

    4. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Reframe failures as learning opportunities and emphasize progress over perfection.

    5. Educate and Advocate: Provide tools, resources, and education to help clients take ownership of their health and well-being.

    6. Encourage Independence: Gradually reduce support as the client gains confidence and skills to manage daily tasks.

    7. Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge small victories to reinforce motivation and a sense of achievement.