Build a Trauma-Informed Care Team

Create safe, respectful healthcare relationships

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About This Guide: Created with input from patients who have navigated medical trauma, this guide offers practical strategies for finding compassionate providers and building a supportive healthcare team. We recognize that identity, culture, and history shape how trauma is experienced and how care should be delivered.

Everyone Is Entitled to Respectful, Compassionate Healthcare

If you’ve ever felt your concerns minimized, dismissed, or misunderstood in healthcare settings, this guide is for you. Many people have experienced healthcare interactions that left them feeling unheard or even harmed.

What you experienced matters. Your concerns are valid. Compassionate care should be standard, not exceptional.

Content Note

This guide discusses experiences of medical dismissal and trauma. While we’ve been thoughtful about language, some content may resonate with difficult experiences. You have control over how much detail you engage with; all expandable sections are optional.

What This Guide Offers

Recognition: Understanding medical trauma and its impacts
Preparation: Tools for self-advocacy and clear communication
Action: Strategies for finding and evaluating providers
Support: Resources for ongoing healing and growth

Explore strategies at your own pace, skip sections as needed, or share your insights to help shape compassionate healthcare practices for all.

Part 1: Understanding Your Experience

Your Responses Are Valid

When healthcare interactions leave you feeling dismissed or unsafe, your body and mind respond protectively. These responses—whether anxiety, avoidance, or heightened vigilance—are natural reactions to difficult experiences, not personal failings.

Recognizing Patterns of Dismissal

Medical dismissal can take many forms. You might recognize some of these patterns:

Common Experiences:

Minimization: Having symptoms attributed to stress or anxiety without proper investigation
Interruption: Not being allowed to fully explain your concerns
Assumptions: Providers making judgments based on appearance rather than listening
Rushed interactions: Feeling pressured to condense complex concerns into brief visits
Lack of consent: Procedures or examinations without clear explanation or permission

How These Experiences Affect You:

Physically: Tension, sleep disruption, appetite changes around medical visits
Emotionally: Dread, anger, sadness, or numbness related to healthcare
Behaviorally: Delaying care, over-preparing for appointments, bringing support people

Remember: These are protective responses, not overreactions. Your body is trying to keep you safe.

What Trauma-Informed Care Looks Like

Collaborative Partnership

Providers who see you as the expert on your own body
Shared decision-making about treatment options
Respect for your knowledge and lived experience
Recognition of cultural, spiritual, and personal values in care planning

Transparent Communication

Clear explanations in accessible language
Permission-seeking before examinations or procedures
Honest acknowledgment of uncertainty when it exists
Willingness to answer questions without defensiveness

Respect for Autonomy

Honoring your right to decline or delay decisions
Respecting requests for specific accommodations
Supporting your choices even when they differ from recommendations
Recognizing that you can change your mind

Self-Assessment: Your Healthcare Experiences

This optional tool helps you identify patterns in your healthcare experiences. Your responses are saved locally and never shared.

Communication Experiences

I’ve been interrupted when trying to explain symptoms

My concerns have been minimized or dismissed

I’ve felt rushed through appointments

Treatment Experiences

Procedures happened without clear explanation

I wasn’t offered alternative treatment options

I felt pressured to make immediate decisions

Emotional Impact

I experience anxiety before medical appointments

I’ve delayed or avoided necessary care

I struggle to trust healthcare providers

Part 2: Preparing Yourself

Create Your Care Preferences Statement

A care preferences statement helps providers understand how to work effectively with you. Think of it as a collaboration guide clarifying what supports your ability to engage fully in your care.

Building Your Statement

Elements to Consider Including:

Environmental Preferences:

Seating arrangements that feel comfortable
Having a support person present
Door positioning (open or closed)
Taking breaks when needed

Communication Preferences:

Written summaries of discussions
Time to process before responding
Questions welcomed and encouraged
Simple language over medical jargon

Examination Preferences:

Explanation before any physical contact
Permission-seeking for each step
Option to stop or pause at any time
Specific positioning accommodations

Symptom Validation Request

“I’m experiencing symptoms that are significantly affecting my daily life. Before we explore possible causes, I want to be clear that these symptoms are real and concerning to me. Can we work together to figure out what might be happening?”

Test/Referral Request

“Based on my symptoms and concerns, I’d like to discuss what diagnostic options might be appropriate. I’m not looking to over-test, but I want to make sure we’re being thorough. What tests would help us get a clearer picture?”

Clarification Request

“I want to make sure I understand this correctly. Could you explain that in different terms? I learn better when I can ask questions and understand the reasoning behind your recommendations.”

Respectful Disagreement

“I appreciate your assessment, but I have some concerns about that approach. My experience has been different from what you’re describing. Can we discuss other possibilities or get additional input on this?”

Second Opinion Request

“I’d like to get another perspective on my situation before moving forward with treatment. This isn’t about not trusting your judgment—I just find that multiple viewpoints help me make better decisions about my health.”

Accommodation Request

“I have some specific needs that help me participate more effectively in my care. These accommodations actually make me a better patient because I can focus on the medical discussion rather than managing anxiety. Can we implement these approaches?”

Documentation Request

“I’d like to request that our discussion today and your clinical reasoning be documented in my chart. It’s helpful for me to have a record of what we discussed, and it helps other providers understand the full picture of my care.”

Follow-up Commitment

“Before I leave, I want to make sure we have a clear plan for follow-up. What should I do if my symptoms change or don’t improve? When should I contact you, and what’s the best way to reach your office with updates or concerns?”

Time Management

“I have several concerns I’d like to address today, and I want to use our time effectively. I’ve prioritized my list—should we focus on the most urgent issue first, or would you prefer to hear my full agenda so we can manage our time together?”

Previous Experience Context

“I want you to know that I’ve had some challenging healthcare experiences in the past. This isn’t about you—it’s just context for why I might ask more questions or need extra clarity. I’m hoping we can build a collaborative relationship.”

Introduction Script

“I’ve found that I participate most effectively in my healthcare when certain approaches are used. I’ve prepared a brief summary of what helps me feel comfortable and engaged. Could we review this together?”

Boundary Setting

“I appreciate you taking time to understand my needs. When I feel rushed or unclear about what’s happening, it’s harder for me to share important information about my symptoms. Can we approach this at a pace that works for both of us?”

Part 3: Building Your Team

Provider Comparison Tool

Track and compare potential providers based on factors important to you.

Provider Name	Communication	Respect	Availability	Cultural Competence	Overall	Notes
No providers added yet. Click “Add Provider” to start comparing.

Finding Trauma-Informed Providers

Search Strategies:

Professional directories: Filter by specialties like “trauma-informed care” or “culturally responsive care”
Community networks: Connect with support groups or advocacy organizations
Peer recommendations: Ask trusted friends or online communities
Healthcare systems: Look for institutions with stated commitments to patient-centered care

Initial Screening Questions:

Phone Screening

“I’m looking for a provider who takes a collaborative approach to healthcare. Can you tell me about Dr. [Name]’s philosophy on working with patients who have specific communication needs?”

Green Flags to Look For:

Office staff who are patient with questions
Flexibility in appointment scheduling and length
Willingness to accommodate support persons
Clear communication about practice policies
Positive responses to trauma-informed care inquiries

Part 4: Navigating Challenges

When Interactions Feel Difficult

Even with preparation, some healthcare interactions may feel challenging. Having strategies ready can help you maintain your autonomy while protecting your wellbeing.

In-the-Moment Strategies

Grounding Techniques:

Focus on your breathing (4 counts in, 6 counts out)
Press your feet firmly into the floor
Hold a small comfort object
Name 5 things you can see in the room

Communication Resets:

Pause Request

“I need a moment to collect my thoughts. Can we pause for just a minute?”

Clarification Request

“I want to make sure I understand correctly. Could you explain that again in simpler terms?”

Knowing When to Step Back:

It’s okay to:

Request to continue the discussion at another appointment
Ask for time to consider treatment options
Bring in a support person for the next visit
Seek a second opinion if you feel unheard
Change providers if the relationship isn’t working

After Difficult Appointments

Immediate Self-Care:

Move to a space where you feel safe
Connect with a supportive person
Engage in grounding activities
Remind yourself that the difficult experience is over

Processing the Experience:

Write down what happened while it’s fresh
Note what felt difficult and why
Identify what you might do differently
Consider whether to address concerns with the provider
Decide if this provider meets your needs

Moving Forward:

Every challenging experience teaches you more about your needs and boundaries. Use these insights to refine your approach and strengthen your advocacy skills.

Part 5: Your Ongoing Journey

Recognizing Your Growth

Healing and building confidence in healthcare settings is a gradual process. Celebrate each step forward, no matter how small.

Starting Your Journey Growing

Signs of Progress

You might notice:

Feeling slightly less anxious before appointments
Speaking up once when you previously would have stayed silent
Asking one question you wouldn’t have asked before
Recovering more quickly from difficult interactions
Feeling more confident in your right to respectful care

Remember: Progress isn’t linear. Setbacks don’t erase growth, they’re part of the journey.

Ongoing Support Strategies

Building Your Support Network

Consider including:

Trusted friends or family: People who validate your experiences
Mental health support: Therapists familiar with medical trauma
Peer connections: Others navigating similar challenges
Online communities: Spaces for sharing and learning
Patient advocates: Professional support when needed

Self-Care Between Appointments

Regular practices that support your wellbeing:

Mindfulness: Brief daily practices to stay grounded
Movement: Gentle activities that feel good
Creative expression: Art, writing, or music for processing
Connection: Regular contact with supportive people
Rest: Prioritizing sleep and restoration

Resources & Tools

Downloadable Resources

Print-ready tools and templates to support your healthcare journey:

Patient Rights Reference Cards

Wallet-sized cards with key patient rights and advocacy phrases.

Download PDF

Red Flag Reference Cards

Quick reference for identifying concerning provider behaviors.

Download PDF

Boundary-Setting Phrases

Ready-to-use scripts for setting boundaries in healthcare settings.

Download PDF

Healthcare Experience Journal

Structured templates for documenting healthcare interactions and symptoms.

Download PDF

Pre-Appointment Checklist

Preparation guide to maximize your appointment effectiveness.

Download PDF

Patient Portal Message Templates

Professional templates for communicating with providers online.

Download PDF

Provider Evaluation Worksheet

Structured guide for assessing and comparing healthcare providers.

Download PDF

Print Tips

Reference cards print best on cardstock
Use duplex printing when available for cards
Keep completed worksheets in a healthcare binder
Share templates with trusted advocates or support people

Quick Reference Scripts

Keep these phrases handy for common situations:

Setting Pace

“I process information best when we can go slowly. Could we take this one step at a time?”

Requesting Options

“What are all my options here? I’d like to understand the alternatives before making a decision.”

Advocating for Needs

“This is important to my ability to participate in my care. How can we work together to accommodate this need?”

Crisis Resources

When you need immediate support:

988: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Additional Support

For ongoing resources and community:

Local patient advocacy organizations
Condition-specific support groups
Cultural or identity-based health organizations
Online forums for medical trauma survivors

Your Journey Continues

Building a trauma-informed care team is an ongoing process, unique to each person’s experiences and needs. There’s no timeline for healing, no “right” way to advocate for yourself, and no requirement to be perfect in your approach.

What matters is this: You have the right to healthcare that respects your autonomy, honors your experiences, and supports your wellbeing. Every step you take toward finding and creating that care is valuable.

Whether you’re just beginning to recognize patterns of dismissal, actively building your care team, or supporting others on their journeys, your experiences and insights matter. Together, we’re working toward a healthcare system that truly serves everyone with dignity and respect.

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