Trauma-informed care aims to support safety, trust, collaboration, choice, and attention to cultural and historical context. You do not need to disclose trauma to request respectful care. This page helps turn broad principles into specific preferences a provider can discuss with you.
How to use this page
Choose a recent, manageable example. Write, draw, or discuss your answers. Skip anything that does not fit; this page is not a diagnostic assessment.
Make choices explicit
Consider permission before touch, explanations before questions, seating, written information, support-person involvement, and a pause signal. Some service limits may remain; ask staff to explain them and explore alternatives rather than assume your agreement.
Include access and identity
Language, disability access, privacy, racism, gender, and previous care experiences can shape what participation requires. Name what the service can change and how you would like concerns or misunderstandings addressed.
Reflection prompts
Use these questions in conversation, on paper, or in the downloaded PDF. You may adapt or skip a prompt.
- What should a provider explain or ask permission for before proceeding?
- What pause signal or choice would help you retain control during care?
- What access, cultural, identity, or privacy need should the service address?
- How would you like a concern or misunderstanding to be acknowledged and repaired?