Trauma-Informed vs. Trauma-Specific: What’s the Difference?
In the world of therapy, social services, healthcare, education and community work, the word trauma comes up often…
But it’s not always clear what we mean when we say we work in a trauma-informed way.
If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between trauma-informed practice and trauma-specific therapy, this post is for you…
🧠 What Is Trauma-Informed Practice?
Trauma-informed practice is a broad approach used across many professional roles — not just by therapists.
You might hear it in clinical spaces, but also in classrooms, workplaces, hospitals, advocacy organizations and even leadership coaching.
At its core, trauma-informed practice recognizes that many people carry the effects of trauma, even if they haven’t named it or disclosed it.
Instead of asking “What’s wrong with you?”
We ask: “What has happened to you — and what do you need to feel safe, respected and supported?”
This approach is about how we work — not necessarily what we do.
A trauma-informed space prioritizes:
🛑 Safety: emotional, physical, cultural and relational
✅ Choice: people are offered options, not ultimatums
🔍 Transparency: clear, honest communication builds trust
🤝 Collaboration: we work with people, not on them
💪 Empowerment: we centre the person’s strengths, values and autonomy
You do not have to talk about your trauma in a trauma-informed space.
It’s simply a more respectful, less pathologizing approach that avoids causing additional harm.
What Is Trauma-Specific Therapy?
Trauma-specific therapy, on the other hand, refers to psychotherapy that directly focuses on treating trauma.
This is clinical work provided by therapists who are trained in trauma recovery models.
It may involve structured or integrative approaches such as:
Internal Family Systems (IFS) or “Parts” Work
EMDR or Brainspotting
Trauma-Focused Narrative Therapy
Sensorimotor or Somatic-based approaches
Mindfulness-based trauma recovery
Psychedelic Assisted Therapy (PAT)
The goal of trauma-specific therapy is to process, integrate and resolve the effects of trauma, whether it’s from a single incident (like an accident or assault), or complex, ongoing trauma (such as childhood neglect, systemic oppression or intergenerational harm).
This work often happens over time, in deep relationship, and at the client’s own pace.
So, Which One Do You Need?
That depends on what you're looking for…
If you want to be in a safer, more supportive space where your lived experiences are respected, but you don’t necessarily want or need to process trauma directly or intensively, then trauma-informed care might be just right.
If you’re ready (or curious) to go deeper into understanding and healing the impacts of trauma on your mind, body and relationships, then trauma-specific therapy may be the right fit.
💬 How I Can Support You
As a therapist and clinical consultant, I use a trauma-informed approach in everything I do – from individual therapy, to leadership coaching, to consultation with professionals and organizations – all from an intersectionally feminist, anti-racist and anti-oppressive, queer-affirming, neurodivergent-affirming lens.
As needed, I also integrate modalities like Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Attachment Therapy, and Narrative Therapy into our work together.
However, if you feel that you are ready for trauma-specific therapy, I will be happy to make a referral to colleagues who are trained and specialize in trauma-specific approaches and goals.
🌿 Final Thoughts
You don’t need a trauma diagnosis to deserve care.
You don’t need to disclose every detail of your story to receive support.
Whether you're seeking space to reflect, to rebuild trust with your body, or to heal deeper wounds — you deserve a space where your needs, pace and truth are honoured.
🤔 Curious about working together?
Click the button below to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.
I’d be honoured to support you in whatever way feels right: