I’m working on a presentation for the East Tennessee State University Social Work Professional Development Conference next month called Ethical, Trauma-Informed Practice with Transgender & Non-Binary Clients and this quote from The Politics of Trauma by Staci K. Haines has been my guide:

“If we do not understand and integrate the shaping power of institutions, social norms, economic systems, oppression, and privilege alongside the profound influences of family and community, we will not fully understand trauma or how to heal from it. We will not understand how to prevent it.”

Many therapists focus our clinical work with clients on understanding how their personal histories and families of origin have impacted them. We we miss so many crucial factors that shape our experiences when we maintain that narrow focus. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share this perspective with social workers and students working in the field.

It feels important to name that this presentation was developed and will be presented with a collaborator whose identities are reflected in the topic.