Creating Conditions for Professional Development through a Trauma-Informed and Restorative Practice

Professionals in social work and nursing meet people who, due to trauma, struggle with self-regulation of emotions and social behavior. Caring for trauma survivors requires connection and compassion. Previous research has indicated that many professionals, some with their own trauma histories, do not feel sufficiently equipped to practice self-care or cope with challenging communication. To address how insecurity and trauma are rooted in deeper individual and structural causes of social injustice, social workers and nursing students (N = 29) were invited to participate in action research and a restorative circle process. The aim was to provide professionals the opportunity to challenge and reflect upon their own practices by introducing them to a trauma-informed and restorative practice based on the importance of building emotional safety and connection. The findings suggest that given time and space for reflection in a setting characterized by equality and safety, professionals can develop increased (a) self-awareness and compassion, (b) emotional safety and tolerance of stress in challenging communication, (c) trauma understanding, and (d) personal growth. A change to a more restorative and trauma-informed practice could lead to increased interpersonal competence and well-being among professionals and clients.