LCBH recently hosted Sarah Hess, a staff attorney at the Legal Council for Health Justice, for a three-day trauma-informed care training. Sarah shared information about how trauma impacts our brains and helpful tools for supporting clients who have experienced physical, emotional, and generational traumas.
“The trauma informed advocacy training is crucial for staff, as it equips them with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide effective and sensitive support to those who have experienced trauma,” LCBH Supportive Services Director, Anita Lewis, said.
Housing instability and eviction are traumatic. This trauma can threaten the physical or emotional integrity of an individual or someone close to them, leading to a flight, fight, or freeze response. LCBH strives to provide trauma-informed care, so clients feel heard and can operate from a well-regulated state, while also taking care of our staff to prevent burnout.
Following the training, LCBH is working incorporate additional trauma-informed practices that foster resilience in our staff and clients. We recognize the widespread impact of trauma and understand potential paths for recovery, like active listening, meeting basic needs by preventing homelessness, providing choice, and being collaborative. We also try to recognize signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, and staff so we can meet them with empathy, respect, and support.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting “988.”