Trauma-Informed Care That is Culturally Sensitive: What Is It?

Culturally sensitive trauma-informed care refers to a medical professionals’ capacity to assess and treat trauma in a way that takes into account the patients’ and their families’ unique cultural beliefs, practices, and values.

In this context, “culture” refers to more than only a family’s racial and cultural heritage; it also covers religion, sexual orientation, where they live, how much they’ve assimilated, and other pertinent factors like money and education level.

When it comes to providing culturally appropriate health care, how does this help?

As with any pediatric care, culturally sensitive trauma-informed therapy must honor the child’s and family’s cultural practices and beliefs on health and illness. What sets this apart is the need to take into account cultural variations in trauma exposure and reactivity for the family and the child.

The biopsychosocial impact of trauma and the subsequent traumatic stress responses can be influenced by cultural characteristics, as shown in studies. This being said, a common physiologic response to stress does exist. There is a strong correlation between an individual’s exposure to and symptoms of trauma, as well as their response to trauma treatment, and their ethnocultural back ground.

When it comes to trauma-informed care, what are the most important aspects of cultural sensitivity?

Children and families that have experienced trauma can benefit from the following:

• Cultural differences in how people cope with trauma and emotional stress should be taken into consideration.
• How one’s ideas play a key role in understanding and overcoming traumatic events.
• Creating an atmosphere of trust to help the family feel safe again.
• Seeing the suffering of the kid or family and showing empathy for it.
• Encouragement of family and social networks for emotional, social support and coping.

How can I provide trauma-informed care that is sensitive to cultural norms?

Things to think about when offering Trauma-Informed Care that is culturally sensitive enacting Trauma-Informed Care with patients that takes cultural considerations into account.

Gaining insight into how beliefs impact experiences of traumatic stress:

• Researchers have shown that the perceived severity of the shock, rather than its real intensity, is the determining factor in traumatic stress reactions in children and their parents.
• In the aftermath of a traumatic event, a person’s cultural background may impact their perceptions of their own power to make a difference and their capacity to make sense of what happened.
• Cultural lenses may reveal striking differences in the first-person narratives of trauma experienced by caregivers and children.
• To illustrate the point, there are communities that see illness and other painful events as a sign from on high, a test, a rite of passage, or something else entirely.
• The relevance of the trauma, whether perceived by the kid or their family, influences their behaviors, coping strategies, and degrees of discomfort.
• There may be cultural differences in the timing, location, and method of PTSD symptom relief, as well as in the use of community-based and non-community-based support services, and in the seeking out of aid.
• It may be helpful to remember that many persons may have varied interpretations of what transpired by inquiring about the significance of the trauma from children and their families and including their thoughts into assessment and treatment.

Returning to a state of trust and safety:

• A family’s sense of physical and mental safety after a traumatic event is initially restored by building trust.
• How a family or kid processes trauma is influenced by their beliefs about their own resilience, power, control, responsibility, and strength in the face of adversity.
• Once they feel emotionally and physically exposed, traumatized children and families may find it difficult to accept aid or to trust others.
• The reason for certain groups’ lower likelihood of discussing their symptoms, trauma history, and recommended course of therapy with their physicians might be attributed to cultural differences.
• In such cases, practitioners should stand back and evaluate how their assistance is seen. In addition, providers must point families toward trustworthy sources, such as conventional healers or alternative medicine specialists.

Words alone are insufficient to build safety and trust; deeds speak louder than words.

• Providers who are culturally aware and sensitive are more likely to build trust with their patients, which improves their communication and compliance.
• In addition to providers’ stated words, nonverbal clues like touch, facial expressions, eye contact, and voice tone are highly valued in some cultures.
• Communicating in a way that is sensitive to other cultures leads to more trust and better information reporting.

Dealing with emotional pain:

• There may be significant cultural differences in how a family or child communicates their suffering.
• An individual may express their emotions, such as pain, fear, worry, or hyperarousal, physically. Traumatic stress reactions can range from being extremely silent to appearing irrational or even insane. The right way to react to illness or sorrow is frequently determined by a blend of familial and cultural factors.
• Members of specific ethnic groups and families may feel uncomfortable when you ask them directly about their mental health. If you’re upset, they could think there’s a psychiatric issue with you.

Providers’ abilities

• Provide psychoeducation about common, comprehensive reactions to traumatic experiences.
• Learn about someone’s emotional responses by observing their habits (e.g., eating and sleeping patterns, worry, etc.) and adapting your response accordingly.
• As you discuss symptoms and create a treatment plan, pay attention to the child’s or family’s preferred language and utilize it.

Using the family unit as a vehicle for action:

• Families and cultures tend to differ substantially in who makes decisions and how they are communicated.
• These customs may limit the child’s or other family members’ ability to voice their opinions on things pertaining to the family.
• Involving a child’s kinship and extended family networks, together with any other healing professions and practices that the child and family find helpful, can enhance the evaluation and treatment of the child.

Things to Think About When Offering Trauma-Informed Care That Is Culturally Sensitive

When delivering trauma-informed care that is culturally sensitive, what factors should I bear in mind?

See RELATIONSHIPS from the Perspective of Cultural Sensitivity and Trauma-Informed Practice

• Recognize roles within the family.
• Determine who is responsible for what and how this family operates.
• It is crucial to involve and promote the involvement of others, such as church, healers, and extended family, in patient care.

Take a Culturally Sensitive and Trauma-Informed Approach to Assessment

• Social norms and practices, as well as personal and family experiences, all influence how mental health problems manifest in people’s lives.
• Make sure you hear the family out and utilize their own words while evaluating and arranging the course of treatment.
• It has been demonstrated that patients who trust and feel at ease with their practitioner are more inclined to divulge personal information.

Take a Culturally Sensitive and Trauma-Informed Approach to Treatment

• There is no one correct approach to recovery; you may not share your family’s values, views, or worldview.
• Make sure the family’s viewpoint on the diagnosis, prognosis, and healing process is included in your treatment plan.
• Consider the tools available to families to help them seek assistance as well as the obstacles that may prevent them from utilizing available community resources.

Enacting Trauma-Informed Care with Patients That Takes Cultural Considerations into Account

The Insight Clinic’s group of sympathetic and accomplished counselors is committed to offering trauma-informed therapy that honors and comprehends your own cultural heritage. Our mission is to establish a secure, caring atmosphere where knowledge and compassion serve as the foundation for rehabilitation. 

Our culturally sensitive approach guarantees the highest regard and understanding for your mental and emotional well-being, whether you’re managing personal issues or assisting a loved one. See us now to begin the healing process with a kind and attentive staff.