It is well-known that surveys found that around 50-70% of population in different countries reports at least experiencing one adverse childhood experience. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) include physical, sexual or emotional abuse, neglect by parents, absence of one or both parents, mental illnesses of one or both parents, and bullying, etc. Given ACEs are so common, it is understandable that many adults might suffer from a variety of psychological issues due to ACEs. However, many of them come across problems in relationships, work, and other areas due to the lack of awareness of the importance of cultivating a trauma-sensitive environment. Due to this nonawareness, many adults with ACEs suffer from further trauma due to the lack of safety, empathy and trust in their surroundings. For organization or schools, how could we cultivate a trauma-sensitive environment?
Since many of the adults with ACEs are very sensitive, an environment without safety is causing anxiety and fear for them. Apart from physical safety, these adults deserve an environment with emotional safety. In this kind of setting, they should feel respected and accepted. They can freely express themselves without worrying of being judged or harmed. For instance, a staff who had bullying experience in the workplace should be able to express his or her concerns and needs without the fear of being judged or having negative consequences.
The trauma-sensitive environment should also have effective and empathetic communication that can build trust and transparency. Adults with ACEs also need consistency in actions and responses from others, such as teachers, bosses, and therapists. For example, a therapist should clearly explain the treatment plan for adults with ACEs and seek informed consent from them. Failed to do so may have a negative impact of trust and transparency. This could lead to misunderstanding and miscommunication. In fact, it is common for bosses or teachers to make premature judgement of their staff or students that could also induce issues related to self-fulfilling prophecy. For instance, if a boss constantly tests his staff due to mistrust, it is possible that when the staff feels the boss is testing him due to trust issue, their reactions might fulfill the expectation of the boss.
Adults with ACEs should also be provided choice and sense of control over their environment. For example, a client in psychotherapy should be given options in choosing among different possible types of therapies. It is also importance for collaboration be encouraged in such a setting. In this example, a therapist should collaborate with the client with ACEs to develop treatment plans.
Sometimes, adults with ACEs have special needs and preferences. It is important for bosses, teachers and therapists to have empathy for their differences in needs and preferences from the public. For instance, these adults may need more spaces that are calming and quiet. In fact, certain kinds of sounds, lights or smells might trigger trauma responses in these adults. If a trauma-sensitive environment could be more aware to adjust the environment to reduce intense reactions being triggered, this could regulate the emotions of these adults.
Since diversity and inclusivity are the trend to build a harmonious community, cultivating a trauma-sensitive environment is very important for the benefits of society as whole.
