ABSTRACT
Thriving in the world involves finding pockets of connection and safety in the community, and using our traumatic stories to help others. Making this transition-beginning the process of reframing traumatic experiences into sources of strength-takes time. One of the most potent ways to transcend recovery and thrive is to share the integrated trauma story. The more that the institutions of society—medical, social, financial, corporate, faith, and criminal justice—can incorporate trauma-informed care components into day-to-day activities, the more these same institutions can collectively change the face of trauma and toxic stress. Consider the current societal inequities resulting from trauma. Children living in poverty have the most significant risk of exposure to traumatic events, both in the home and within the community. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA, 2014) has developed six critical ideas for implementing a trauma informed approach in communities.
