Trauma-Informed Care Principles: Quick Guide
A one-page quick guide to trauma-informed care principles: safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural, historical and gender responsiveness.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Clinician quick guide
- Approach / concern
- Trauma & PTSD
- Technique
- Clinician quick guide
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Trauma-Informed Care Principles: Quick Guide?
Trauma-informed care is an organizational and clinical framework that recognizes the prevalence and impact of trauma and integrates this knowledge into policies and practice to avoid re-traumatization.
Why it works
SAMHSA (2014) defines trauma-informed principles widely adopted across services. Herman (1992) emphasized safety, empowerment and connection in trauma recovery.
When to use it
- All clinical settings
- Agency training
- Intake and policy review
- Supervision
How to use it in session
- Review principles.
- Audit your practice and space.
- Offer choice and transparency.
- Attend to culture and history.
- Repair ruptures.
Clinician tips
- Explain what you’re doing and why.
- Ask permission before sensitive topics.
- Consider intergenerational and colonial trauma for Indigenous clients.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Is trauma-informed care a therapy?
No. It’s a framework for how services and clinicians work with everyone.
Do I need to know a client’s trauma history?
No. Trauma-informed practice benefits all clients without requiring disclosure.
References
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). SAMHSA’s concept of trauma and guidance for a trauma-informed approach (HHS Publication No. SMA 14-4884). SAMHSA.
Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and recovery. Basic Books.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
