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Trigger warning: discussion of traumatic experiences.

Trauma-informed care (TIC) practices are becoming more well-known and more widely-implemented in clinical practice. But what does this look like? And how can we as OTs provide TIC while addressing sexuality? In collaboration with OTD Student Hannah Zaininger, I recently did a deep dive into Trauma Informed Care approaches when addressing sexuality and intimacy.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. They have developed a framework to help health providers understand the existence of trauma, as well as support and provide treatment to all individuals whether or not it is known they’ve experienced trauma. This model of care uses six guiding principles, which should be incorporated into health care practices. These...