3. Trigger Warning
This webinar and the following courses will have frank and open discussions around
various types of trauma including sexual assault, PTSD and its symptoms, emotional
abuse, racial abuse and others. The purpose of these discussions is to illuminate
taboo topics and show how re-traumatization occurs. These discussions may
overwhelm and trigger you, especially of you are a trauma survivor. I ask everyone to
create an atmosphere of mutual respect and sensitivity for everyone. And if at any
point, it becomes too much, feel free to take a break and re-join if you are able.
4. Group Norms
Stay Engaged
To stay engaged is a refusal to let your heart and mind
check out of the conversation while leaving your body in
place. It is a personal commitment each person makes,
regardless of the engagement of others. It means remaining
morally, emotionally, intellectually, and socially involved in
the dialogue
Patterns of Participation
Everyones voice is important and is a valuable contribution
to the conversation. This includes watching our air time,
Stepping Up if we tend to process silently in our heads,
and Stepping Back if we are verbal processors to allow
ourselves to do some internal reflection.
Speak Our Truths
Use actual examples and experiences youve had. Dont try
to generalize for other people. Were here to have real
conversations and having them also means being honest
and specific about our questions.
Embrace Impact
Were going to talk about uncomfortable and taboo topics.
Many of us are not well versed in these and will inadvertently
say something harmful and insensitive. When that happens,
resist the urge to defend yourself and instead listen, learn,
and make amends to the people youve hurt.
5. Were here because
We want to learn more about trauma, trauma informed care, and how we as
designers can take it into account in our work. As a collective of designers in
the course, we want to reduce harm through re-traumatization.
Objective
By learning and applying frameworks and
principles to our work.
Goal
Give you a better understanding of trauma,
how it shows up, and the consequences of re-
traumatization
6. Course Outline
This course will be taught over the next 4 Fridays for 60-75 minutes. We will
use a lecture format mix with a studio based project*
Module 1: The History Trauma Study & Trauma
Informed Care
A deep dive into the historical study of trauma and
trauma informed care
Module 2: Turning Trauma Informed Care into
Trauma Informed Design
Learning the principles of trauma informed design
Module 3: Trauma Informed Heuristic
A frame work for evaluating trauma in design
Module 4: Trauma Informed Design in Action
Studio project share out and course rap up.
* Studio Project Note: You should spend no more than 1-2 hours outside of this course working on it. The goal is to apply the
thinking, not making anything perfect. So focus on applying the learning, not making a polished product.
8. How do we define trauma?
American Psychological Association defines trauma as is an emotional
response to a terrible event like an accident, rape or natural disaster.
Immediately after the event, shock and denial are typical. Longer term
reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained
relationships and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea
41. The sense of self is important when
it comes to studying trauma
In The Body Keeps the Score, the author talks about how people who have
survived trauma dont just have off responses to stress, they also dont have
normal feelings and sensations.
55. The Five Principles of Trauma
Informed Care
Safety
Ensuring physical and emotional safety
through welcoming common areas and
privacy is respected.
Choice
Individual has choice and control
through clear and appropriate
messaging on their rights and
responsibilities.
Collaboration
Making decisions with the individual
and sharing power through allowing
individual play a significant role in
planning and evaluating services.
Trustworthiness
Task clarity, consistency, and
interpersonal boundaries through
maintaining professional and respectful
boundaries.
Empowerment
Prioritizing empowerment and skill
building through providing an
atmosphere that allows individuals to
feel validated and affirmed at each and
every contact at the agency.