Trauma sensitive communication with parents of maltreated children

We are conscious about the incidence of trauma related pathology in children, and we know that the prevalence of traumatic stress in the lives of their parents is extraordinarily high. Nevertheless, we remain surprised when... [ view full abstract ]

We are conscious about the incidence of trauma related pathology in children, and we know that the prevalence of traumatic stress in the lives of their parents is extraordinarily high. Nevertheless, we remain surprised when parents are not cooperative, avoid our supportive care or threaten professionals. In regards to communication, it must be kept in mind how they adapted to difficult life-events. Often these parents have experienced on-going trauma throughout their lives in the form of childhood abuse and neglect, exposure to domestic violence, to transgenerational community violence, relational problems, poverty, lack of safety and sense of security. These experiences have a significant impact on how these parents think, feel, behave, relate to others, and cope with future experiences. They have learned to adapt to these traumatic circumstances in order to survive, but their ways of coping interact negatively when communicating with caregivers and other professionals.
It is clear that understanding the underlying mechanisms of their non-cooperative communication style is essential to provide better care for their children. For this reason we utilize trauma sensitive communication skills. In order to respond empathetically to the needs of these parents/trauma survivors, to ensure their physical and emotional safety, to develop realistic treatment goals and, at the very least, to simultaneously guarantee a proper and protective approach to their child, all practices must be provided through the lens of trauma knowledge.