Practicing Trauma-Informed Care (and Caring for Yourself)

By Olivia Bocchetti, MSS Intern (Bryn Mawr University) 2.17.2026

Dear COMPASS Community,

Last week in class, I was learning about trauma-informed care (TIC)—what it means, and what it looks like in practice. I was thinking about all of you and the caregiving tasks you take on every day, and I felt like this approach connects beautifully to the work you’re already doing.

What is Trauma-Informed Care?

TIC is an approach to providing services that recognizes how past trauma can impact a person’s thoughts, behaviors, and overall well-being. It focuses on creating physical, emotional, and psychological safety, while empowering individuals to express their needs, set their own goals, and have a voice in the care and support they receive.

Many of the individuals we care for have lived full, complex lives. They may have experienced loss, illness, hardship, or moments of fear that we don’t fully know about. As they age or experience memory changes, those past experiences don’t just disappear. In fact, they can resurface in different ways. Being trauma-informed in caregiving means prioritizing safety, patience, and dignity.

What TIC Looks Like in Practice:

• Speak in a calm tone, especially during moments of confusion.

• Explain what you’re doing before you do it. (Something as simple as saying, “I’m going to help you with your sweater now,” instead of just reaching for them can make a big difference!)

• Offer small choices so the person still feels a sense of control.

• Keep routines predictable to reduce anxiety.

At the end of the day, trauma-informed care is about remembering that behavior is communication. When we respond with empathy instead of frustration, we protect trust and strengthen connection.

A Note on Caregiver Burnout: Finding Purpose When You're "Going Through the Motions"

To provide this kind of empathetic care, we also have to look inward. I have recently caught myself thinking, what am I doing? Every week can start to feel repetitive, like I’m just going through the motions. I woke up this morning and thought, “Okay… let’s do this,” but I won’t lie, it was hard to get out of bed.

I’m sure many of you have felt this too. We ask ourselves:

• What are we doing?

• What is our purpose?

• How can I be better?

• How can I feel good doing something I love?

  
  

I actually think that uncomfortable feeling is important. It forces us to pause and reflect on our day-to-day lives. It’s not necessarily negative, "bad," or even depressed—it’s human. Having these thoughts is normal. We need moments like this to think about our past, our present, and where we’re going.

Your Weekly Reflection Challenge

So how do we move forward? How do we shift out of that funk and turn those thoughts into something productive? Reflection.

This week, I challenge you to sit quietly with these three questions (or write your answers down):

1. What have I recently learned about myself?

2. What is something I am proud of that I did last week?

3. What am I going to do today that will make me feel productive?

   
   

Once you've answered them, look around the room you are in and notice a color that reflects how you feel. Right now, I’m staring at a pale blue-gray that feels very “me.” It’s calm, a little vibrant but mellow, and it reflects the bright overhead lights in the room.

Have a great week, and I look forward to seeing some of you later this week at Memory Café!

Warmly,

Olivia Bocchetti

MSS Intern, Bryn Mawr University