Trauma-Informed or Just a Trend? How to Create Real Change in Classrooms & Care Settings

In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker is joined by Dr. Karen Treisman, MBE, an award-winning clinical psychologist, author, and internationally recognized trauma specialist. Karen's work has revolutionized how trauma is understood and supported in caregiving, education, and organizational culture.

From classrooms to care systems, trauma-informed practice is often discussed—but is it truly embedded, or just another tick-box exercise? Together, Andy and Karen explore what being truly trauma-informed means and how organizations, teachers, carers, and families can move beyond the buzzwords to create real, lasting change.

 

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Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

🧠 What Does Trauma-Informed Really Mean? – Understanding the core principles beyond the label.
🏫 From Classrooms to Care Homes – How trauma-informed practice impacts organizations, leadership, and frontline workers.
⚖ The Biggest Myths About Trauma-Informed Practice – Is it just about being “soft” or letting bad behavior slide?
🔄 The Power of Relationships in Healing Trauma – Why connection is the key to real change.
💡 Practical Steps for Embedding a Trauma-Informed Culture – Small changes that can transform staff well-being and the experiences of those in care.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Trauma-informed is not just a training—it’s a culture shift.
✅ It’s not about excusing behavior, but understanding and responding effectively.
✅ Burnout is real—how organizations support staff well-being matters.
✅ Micro-moments of human connection make a huge difference.
✅ A truly trauma-informed approach benefits everyone, from children in care to the elderly in nursing homes.

Guest Spotlight: Dr. Karen Treisman, MBE

Dr. Treisman is the author of bestselling books including The Therapeutic Treasure Box and Creating Trauma-Informed Organisations. Her innovative resources and training have supported thousands of professionals in fostering trauma-aware environments.

📚 Want to Learn More?
Check out Karen’s books, training, and resources ➡️ [Link in Show Notes]

Timestamps:

⏳ [00:00] – Introduction to Dr. Karen Treisman and today’s topic
⏳ [02:13] – What does being trauma-informed actually mean?
⏳ [06:20] – Why trauma-informed practice must go beyond individuals to organizations
⏳ [10:50] – The biggest misconceptions and resistance to trauma-informed approaches
⏳ [19:09] – How trauma-informed practice is expanding (or lacking) across different sectors
⏳ [27:33] – Are we more disconnected than ever? The impact of modern society on relationships
⏳ [38:00] – Self-care for carers and staff: How organizations can genuinely support their teams
⏳ [48:00] – Dr. Treisman’s top three favorite trauma-informed activities and exercises
⏳ [57:44] – Final takeaways and how to embed trauma-informed thinking in daily life

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Looking to Create a Trauma-Informed Culture in Your Organization?

Able Training provides specialist training for care and education professionals on trauma-informed practice, behavior support, and well-being.

📞 Get in touch today to discuss your needs: [AbleTraining.co.uk]

📖 Check out Andy Baker’s Book!
Targeting the Positive: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Supporting Challenging Behaviors – Now Available Worldwide!

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