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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2022 Jul 1.
Published in final edited form as: J Community Psychol. 2021 Mar 31;49(5):1079–1099. doi: 10.1002/jcop.22562

Table 1.

SAMHSA’s Trauma-Informed Approach Guiding Principles (2014)

Trauma-Informed Key Principle/Value Description of Principle/Value
Safety Working to ensure physical & emotional safety; the physical setting is safe, and the interpersonal exchanges promote safety
Trustworthiness and Transparency Maximize trustworthiness through transparency and consistency
Collaboration and Mutuality Leveling of the power hierarchy; shared decision making
Empowerment Strengths are recognized and validated; prioritizing skill building
Voice & Choice Maximizing survivor choice and control. Recognizing the need for unique/individual approach
Peer Support & Mutual Self-Help Organizational level of support, building trust, promoting safety and empowerment
Resilience & Strengths Based Belief in the ability of individuals and communities to heal; promote recovery from trauma
Inclusiveness & Shared Purpose Everyone has a role to play in a trauma-informed approach; not all are trauma therapists but all can help create therapeutic spaces
Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues Moving past cultural stereotypes and biases; gender responsive services; acknowledges and addresses historical trauma
Change Process Intentional, evolving responsiveness to new knowledge and needs