What Trauma-Informed Care Really Means (and Why It Matters)
By Tannia Salazar, APRN, FNP | Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health LLC 🌿
Rooted in Care. Grounded in Calm. Focused on Your Healing.
You may have seen the term “trauma-informed care” while searching for mental health services. But what does it actually mean? And how does it shape the way psychiatric care is provided?
At its core, trauma-informed care is about recognizing that many people carry the effects of past trauma — sometimes visible, sometimes silent — and making sure that treatment never adds to that burden.
The 5 Principles of Trauma-Informed Care
The five core principles of trauma-informed care guide everything from therapy to medication management.
Click below to see how each principle comes to life in practice:
Safety
Trustworthiness
Choice
Collaboration
Empowerment
Grounding care in these principles helps patients feel safe, respected, and empowered — laying the foundation for true continuity of care.
How It Looks in Psychiatric Care
In psychiatry, trauma-informed care is woven into every part of the visit:
Explaining medications clearly and without pressure.
Respecting boundaries and allowing space for questions.
Framing treatment as a partnership rather than a prescription.
It’s about treating the whole person — not just a diagnosis — and honoring the experiences that shape how each patient approaches care.
Why It Matters
Even if you don’t identify a specific trauma in your past, trauma-informed care makes psychiatric treatment more respectful, patient-centered, and supportive. For those who do have a trauma history, it creates a safe foundation for healing that avoids re-traumatization.
At Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health LLC, trauma-informed care isn’t a buzzword — it’s a guiding philosophy. My goal is that every patient feels heard, respected, and empowered to take part in their own healing journey.
🪴 Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma-Informed Care
Do I need to have experienced trauma to benefit from trauma-informed care?
No. Trauma-informed care benefits everyone. Even if you don’t identify a specific trauma, it creates a safer, more respectful, and supportive treatment environment.
How is trauma-informed care different from traditional psychiatric care?
Traditional care can sometimes focus only on symptoms or diagnoses. Trauma-informed care goes further by recognizing the impact of past experiences and ensuring treatment avoids re-traumatization while empowering the patient.
Does trauma-informed care replace therapy?
No. Trauma-informed care is an approach to all aspects of psychiatric treatment. It can complement therapy by ensuring psychiatric medication management also prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment.
Is trauma-informed care available via telehealth in Connecticut?
Yes. At Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health LLC, trauma-informed care is integrated into every telehealth visit for adults across Connecticut.
Closing Thought
Trauma-informed care simply means care that sees you as a whole person. At Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health LLC, I bring this approach to every psychiatric telehealth visit across Connecticut. If you’ve been searching for care that values safety, trust, and collaboration, I invite you to request an appointment today.
👉 Want to learn more? Request an appointment today. ✨
📗 Read about our Holistic Approach
📓 Why Continuity of Care Matters
📘 7 Signs You Might Benefit from Medication
📙 Understanding Medication Management
📒 PTSD Is More Common Than You Think—And Healing Is Possible
❓FAQ
🌿 Tannia Salazar, APRN, Founder of Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health LLC, offering telepsychiatry services across Connecticut for adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and more.
