1. Implementing Trauma Informed Services
a discussion facilitated by
Wanda Bowden, LPC-S

2. Objectives
Objective 1:  Learn why assessment of organizational readiness is critical for successful implementation of trauma informed practices and vital to success.
Objective 2:  Learn 3 basic language changes that can help with implementation.
Objective 3:  Discuss strategies to sustain implementation measures.

3. Implementing change can take a lot of sugar water.

4. What do we know so far? We know about trauma and its possible impact .
We know the distressing symptoms of PTSD and Acute Stress Disorder.
We know trauma reactions can impact thoughts and behavior, mood, concentration, sleep, coping, anxiety levels, health, decisions and world view. It can impact work, life and relationships.
We know it impacts costs/budgets across every spectrum - treatment & healthcare (ACES), loss of productivity in business
We know healing is possible.

5. SAMHSA’S KEY PRINCIPLES FOR TRAUMA INFORMED SERVICES:
Safety
Trustworthiness and transparency
Peer support
Collaboration and mutuality
Empowerment, voice and choice
Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues
SAMHSA PUBLICATION: TIP 57

6. So, how do we implement trauma informed services ?

7. 1. Assess your organization
This is a process, not a workshop.
Stages of change apply. It is organizational change.
Leadership sets the standard and believes in the philosophy of healing from trauma.
Staff must have information, on-going support, and share in the ownership of change.
Open discussion about shelter rules and staff buy in is key.

8. Assess staff
Are we asking them to provide caring and calm services when they are traumatized and triggered?
Change is usually a parallel process.
Burnout kills TI services. Support and “practicing what we preach” promotes TI service provision.
Some will not be able to make the transition. Grey is harder than black and white.

9. Decide what client success is
in your program -
in one word

10. Work on Language
DID I SAY: WORK ON LANGUAGE

11. What I hear you say……….
What prevents you from……….
I can’t agree but I respect your right to make this decision/choice
My concern is for your ……..(safety)
When you entered this program, we discussed what would cause you to exit from this program. I see from your ——- you have decided this program is not what you want to do. Would you like some phone numbers for other programs that might be an option?

12. helpful tools expect clients who are traumatized to be triggered
look at your staffing patterns
quiet area for clients / staff
over night activity for restless sleepers in 24/7 shelters
client engagement in setting guidelines for communal living
extra time on front end of client agitation
creating a wellness plan when wellness is present
treat clients like you want your best friend or favorite relative treated

13. ideas to keep it going TIME - find the time
devote on-going time for staff support and discussion
consider a “buddy” agency during implementation
consider mentors with new staff
provide safety for staff debriefing
TI supervision
monitor anxiety and stress of staff
realize staff is your greatest asset (SWOT)
remember stages of change/key principles

14. “You can not give away what you do not have.”
- Garry Landreth, Ph.D.