Trauma-Informed Mental Health Care: Why It Matters More Than Ever

Author: Kiara-Breia Hicks-Lyles CRNP, PMHNP-BC

Introduction

Trauma affects far more people than most realize. Whether it’s childhood experiences, relationship wounds, medical trauma, racial trauma, or stressful life events, unresolved emotional pain can shape how a person thinks, feels, and reacts in the world. A trauma-informed approach to care ensures that clients feel safe, respected, and empowered—not judged or misunderstood.This blog explains what trauma-informed care is, why it’s important, and how it can support your healing journey.

What Is Trauma-Informed Care?

Trauma-informed care is not a specific therapy—it’s a mindset and framework used by healthcare providers. It acknowledges that trauma is common and recognizes its impact on physical, emotional, and behavioral well-being.

Key principles include:

• Safety: Creating an environment where clients feel emotionally and physically secure

• Trust & Transparency: Building authentic relationships

• Empowerment: Encouraging client choice and autonomy

• Collaboration: Working together as partners

• Cultural Sensitivity: Honoring each client’s cultural, racial, and societal context

This approach shifts the question from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”

How Trauma Affects Daily Life

Trauma can reshape the nervous system, creating patterns of hypervigilance, withdrawal, or emotional reactivity.

Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty relaxing or feeling safe

• Mood swings or irritability

• Sleep disturbances

• Anxiety or panic

• Difficulty concentrating

• Trust issues or avoidance behaviors

Without understanding these patterns, individuals may be mislabeled as “difficult,” “sensitive,” or “unmotivated”—when in reality, their nervous system is trying to protect them.

Why Trauma-Informed Care Matters in Today's World

The past decade has brought increasing awareness to trauma’s influence on mental health. Many people are living with unrecognized emotional wounds due to:

• Chronic stress

• COVID-19–related grief or uncertainty

• Racial discrimination

• Gender-based violence

• Relationship trauma

• Childhood experiences

Trauma-informed care ensures that mental health treatment honors these experiences rather than overlooking them.

What Trauma-Informed Care Looks Like at OPOM Wellness

1. We Prioritize Your Safety

Your sessions are designed to feel calm, grounded, and judgment-free. Whether in-person or virtual, we honor your pace and comfort level.

2. We Listen Without Assumption

Your story is unique. We never assume your past or present based on symptoms alone.

3. We Validate Before We Treat

Emotional pain is real and deserves acknowledgment. Validation is a key step toward healing.

4. We Explore Integrative Treatment Options

This may include:

• Therapy referrals

• Mindfulness strategies

• Medication (when appropriate)

• Nutritional and supplement support

• Nervous system regulation exercises

5. You Remain in Control

We collaborate with you to build a treatment plan that fits your needs—not the other way around.

Key Takeaways

• Trauma is widespread and impacts brain and body functioning.

• Trauma-informed care emphasizes safety, compassion, and empowerment.

• Healing happens when clients feel seen, supported, and in control.

• OPOM Wellness offers integrative, trauma-informed psychiatric care for adults and teens.

If you’re carrying emotional wounds or feeling stuck in patterns shaped by past trauma, OPOM Wellness can support your healing journey.

Now accepting new clients in PA & MD.