Trauma affects people of all ages — from young children to adults — in ways that aren’t always visible. Whether it’s a single overwhelming event or ongoing experiences of stress, trauma impacts how individuals feel, think, and respond to the world around them.
Trauma-informed psychology is an approach that recognises the profound effects of trauma on the nervous system, emotions, and behaviour, and focuses on creating safety, trust, and empowerment in therapeutic support.
In this blog, we’ll explain what trauma-informed psychology is, why it matters, and how it can support people across the lifespan.
What is Trauma?
Trauma is not just about the event itself, but about how the nervous system responds to experiences that feel overwhelming, threatening, or unsafe. Trauma can result from:
- Physical or emotional abuse
- Neglect or abandonment
- Accidents or medical procedures
- Bullying or peer rejection
- Witnessing violence
- Loss and grief
- Chronic stress or anxiety
- Developmental trauma (early attachment disruptions)
Trauma affects everyone differently — what is traumatic for one person may not be for another, depending on their unique nervous system sensitivity, support systems, and life context.
What is Trauma-Informed Psychology?
Trauma-informed psychology shifts the focus from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What have been your experiences throughout life?”. It understands that behaviours and emotional responses are often protective adaptations developed in response to traumatic experiences.
A trauma-informed approach:
- Prioritises safety and trust in therapy
- Recognises the impact of trauma on the brain and nervous system
- Understands trauma responses like fight, flight, freeze, and fawn as survival strategies
- Focuses on collaboration and choice, rather than control
- Builds emotional regulation skills at a pace that feels safe for the client
- Supports empowerment, strengths, and resilience
Trauma-Informed Support for Children and Adolescents
For children and teens, trauma can affect development, learning, and relationships. Trauma-informed support may include:
- Play-based therapies (e.g., play therapy, art therapy) to allow safe expression
- Co-regulation strategies with caregivers to build emotional safety
- Supporting attachment and relational repair
- Creating predictable, low-demand environments in school and home settings
- Recognising “challenging behaviours” as stress responses, not defiance, through a neuroaffirming and PDA lense
Trauma-Informed Support for Adults
Adults who have experienced trauma may struggle with:
- Anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation
- Relationship challenges or difficulties with trust
- Hypervigilance and chronic stress
- Feelings of shame or low self-worth
- Somatic symptoms (body-based distress)
Trauma-informed psychological support for adults focuses on:
- Creating a safe therapeutic relationship
- Gentle exploration of trauma history when appropriate
- Body-based regulation strategies (e.g., breathwork, grounding)
- Building self-compassion and reducing self-blame
- Empowering clients to regain control over their healing journey
The Importance of a Nervous System Lens
Trauma-informed psychology places a strong emphasis on nervous system awareness. When the nervous system is dysregulated, people may experience:
- Overwhelming emotions
- Shutdown or dissociation
- Difficulty with concentration and memory
- Physical symptoms like tension, headaches, or fatigue
- Nervous system disability, such as Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
Rather than focusing on “fixing behaviours,” trauma-informed therapists help clients learn to listen to their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and build safety from within.
Key Principles of Trauma-Informed Practice
- Safety – Physical, emotional, and relational safety comes first.
- Trustworthiness & Transparency – Clear communication, consistency, and honesty.
- Peer Support – Shared experiences can foster healing.
- Collaboration & Mutuality – Therapist and client work together as partners.
- Empowerment, Voice, and Choice – Clients have control over their therapeutic journey.
- Cultural, Historical, and Gender Sensitivity – Understanding the broader context of a person’s experiences.
Trauma-Informed Psychology is for Everyone
Whether you’re supporting a child with emotional regulation, a teen navigating school anxiety, or an adult working through past experiences, a trauma-informed approach respects each person’s story, honours their nervous system needs, and focuses on healing through connection and compassion.
At Hively Health, our psychologists are trained in trauma-informed approaches to support clients of all ages. We work with families, schools, and individuals to create safe, empowering spaces where healing can happen.
Contact us today to learn more about Trauma-Informed Psychology at Hively Health.
Learn more about our psychologists at Hively Health here and find the right support for you.
