Everyday Trauma Series Part One: Trauma Informed Care

Trauma informed consent refers to the therapist or counselor informing the patient in advance of the possible trauma-related content that may arise during psychological therapy or counseling, in order to prevent further psychological harm to the patient. The importance of this right to informed consent is that certain topics or experiences may trigger painful memories or emotional reactions in patients, even exacerbating their psychological trauma.

Trauma informed consent is not only a moral requirement, but also a legal one. In some countries, psychotherapists and counselors must abide by informed consent, otherwise they may be accused of violating patient privacy or causing further harm.

In addition to trauma informed consent, there are other ethical and legal issues to consider in psychological therapy and counseling. These include confidentiality agreements, joint development of diagnoses and treatment plans, and regulation of therapists and counselors.

For clients, it is important to choose a qualified psychotherapist or counselor, as they can provide professional psychological support and treatment to help patients cope with trauma and other psychological issues. At the same time, clients also need to actively participate and open up in therapy to obtain the maximum benefit.

In summary, trauma informed consent is an important ethical and legal requirement that must be followed during psychological therapy and counseling. Therapists and counselors should respect client privacy and informed consent, providing safe and effective psychological support and treatment for patients.

Written by: Bee Tin Teoh