Trauma is more common than many people realize. Trauma can stem from a single event, chronic stress, community violence or systemic inequities, and it often has lasting and far reaching effects.
This fall, the University of Minnesota College of Continuing & Professional Studies (CCAPS) launched a new, fully online Trauma Informed Care Certificate.
Tom Hegblom, director of graduate studies for the counselor education programs in CCAPS, answers questions about the benefits of trauma-informed care and how it helps people across contexts.
Q: What is trauma-informed care?
Dr. Hegblom: Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes how experiences of trauma can impact a person’s physical health, emotional wellbeing, relationships and sense of safety. Trauma is wide-ranging and can include experiences such as abuse, violence, loss, discrimination, accidents or other events that feel overwhelming or threatening. A trauma-informed approach shifts the focus from simply asking what might be wrong with someone to considering what has happened to them and how those experiences might be affecting them. Trauma-informed care does not assume that everyone has experienced trauma or requires people to discuss traumatic experiences they have lived through. Instead, it recognizes that trauma may be part of someone’s story and provides care in ways that reduce the risk of causing additional distress or harm.
Q: How does it improve outcomes for people?
Dr. Hegblom: Trauma-informed care can improve outcomes by helping people feel safer, respected and involved in their care. When people feel understood rather than judged, they are often more comfortable sharing concerns, asking questions, advocating for their needs and participating in treatment or clinical services. The approach gives people greater choice and control, which is especially important for individuals who have endured situations where control or safety was purposefully or inadvertently taken away from them. Building trust and collaboration can strengthen relationships with healthcare providers, counselors, educators and other professionals. Trauma-informed care may also reduce the risk of unintentionally triggering or retraumatizing someone. Ultimately, a trauma-informed approach can help people remain engaged in services, develop healthier coping strategies, build confidence and work towards their individual goals.
Q: How can this framework support a healthy workforce?
Dr. Hegblom: A trauma-informed framework supports a healthy workforce by creating a culture of safety, trust, respect and open communication. Supportive leadership and clear expectations can help reduce workplace stress and burnout while encouraging employees to ask for help when needed. When people feel valued and supported, they are more likely to remain engaged, contribute to a team mindset and experience greater overall wellbeing.
Q: Is trauma-informed care relevant for people who work outside of the mental health field?
Dr. Hegblom: Absolutely! Trauma-informed care is relevant in any setting where people interact with, serve or support others. This includes healthcare, education, social services, public safety and broader community organizations. Understanding how trauma and stress can influence behavior and relationships can help professionals respond with greater empathy and awareness. For example, a teacher might recognize that a student who shuts down during a difficult conversation may be feeling overwhelmed rather than simply being uncooperative. Responding calmly, offering choices and allowing time to regroup can help the student feel supported while still addressing the situation.
Q: How will the new Trauma Informed Care Certificate make a difference for Minnesotans?
Dr. Hegblom: The new Trauma Informed Care Certificate will prepare professionals across Minnesota to better understand how trauma and stress can affect individuals, families, workplaces and communities. Because trauma can influence how people learn, communicate, build relationships and respond to stressful situations, this knowledge is valuable well beyond the healthcare field. Graduates can bring trauma-informed care practices into healthcare, education, social services, public safety, nonprofits, business and other community settings. For example, a manager might use trauma-informed principles to create clearer communication and greater psychological safety among the team they lead. By equipping professionals across different fields with a shared understanding or trauma, the certificate can help strengthen organizations, improve how services are delivered, and create more supportive experiences for Minnesotans throughout their communities.
Tom Hegblom is the director of graduate studies for the counselor education programs in the College of Continuing & Professional Studies. His teaching, clinical and scholarly interests focus on culture and human diversity, with particular emphasis on queer- and trans-affirming mental health care, ethics in counseling practice, and counselor development and self-efficacy.
About the College of Continuing and Professional Studies
Established in 1913, the College of Continuing and Professional Studies empowers lifelong learners to achieve their educational goals through professional courses, applied and individualized degrees and other academic pathways. With values that include Access, Learning, Inclusivity, Collaboration and Excellence, the College pursues a learner-centric environment where diverse ideas, backgrounds and identities are embraced. Learn more at ccaps.umn.edu.
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