Trauma Informed Care
Outreach Advocate, Norma Grinnell
The iceberg analogy is a good representation of Family Advocates’ trauma clients. The part of the iceberg we see above the water... (behaviors) are all directly linked to the part of the iceberg we don't see under the water. We need to get in the water and begin chipping away from underneath to help heal what we can see above the water line.
When people experience the same destructive patterns and harmful behaviors of others, they save that information and come to believe that everyone is the same and that they have bad intentions. These patterns over time get packed into an invisible suitcase that they carry with them everywhere we go. Expecting and believing everyone to sooner or later harm them in the same way.
Therefore, they (the abused) exhibit behaviors that they know will get an abusive response to make sure that what they have packed in their suitcase is accurate. As advocates, we need to take the time to work through these behaviors and show our clients that not all people are harmful. That some people want to help and not harm. Over time, in a safe environment, we can help to unpack this negative suitcase and start repacking it with helpful tools and a new belief system.
Source:
Grant County Human Services "Trauma Informed Care"
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