By Director of Mental Wellness Gail Byers
Establishing trust in a therapeutic relationship can be challenging, particularly in the population we serve. Gaining trust meets some of the components of Maslow’s Hierarchy, i.e. safety needs which involve, security of body, resources, employment, family, health, and property. Other components include esteem which is involves respect of others and respect by others.
The point is that when certain criteria is fulfilled, as indicated in Maslow’s hierarchies, trust is subsequently established.
This continues to be proved true.
In a recent session a young woman revealed that she was raped as a child and never told anyone until now. She is 34 years old.
Keep in mind that we had three previous sessions. While it was a tremendous relief, as indicated by her countenance, the significance of her feeling safe enough to reveal the victimization was tantamount. Imagine internalizing this trauma and the subsequent implications….shame/guilt, low self-worth, a skewed understanding of love, etc. These are all emotions that negatively impact lifelong decisions.
However, the positive in this encounter is the significance of trauma informed care. With this knowledge, comes clarity, resulting in more focused and intentional therapy.
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