Unlocking Genuine Connection: The Trauma-Informed Approach to Communication
3 Strategies for communicating from a trauma Informed lens by Fihmiya Hamdan
About Fihmiya
I am a Community Manager, Strategist, and Advisor with a passion for fostering genuine connections and driving impact within diverse communities. My mission is to inspire and foster inclusive communities, promoting and igniting connections through meaningful conversations and deepening relationships. I collaborate with visionary leaders, passionate individuals, and mission-driven organizations to amplify their impact and bridge the gap between values and action. If you're looking to build your community space, drive social change, enhance community engagement, or align your mission and values, I'm here to help strengthen your community. Connect with me on LinkedIn: Fihmiya
In a world brimming with voices, sounds, and constant chatter, there's an undervalued strength in silence. Amidst the noise, it's essential to remember:
"True communication thrives when YOU approach each other with a trauma-informed lens. Understand that the essence of genuine connection rests in empathy, patience, and the narratives left untold."
What Does It Mean to Communicate through a Trauma-Informed Lens?
When we talk about a trauma-informed approach to communication, we're focusing on the unseen, the unheard, and the unfelt. It means understanding that every person carries their own narrative, often filled with experiences we might never know. Their reactions, responses, and emotions are influenced by these stories.
Three Pillars of Trauma-Informed Communication:
1. Empathy
"Feel with others. Compassion-focused decision making."
Empathy isn't merely about recognizing another person's emotions. It's about genuinely tuning into another's feelings, gaining insight into their perspective, and using that understanding as a cornerstone for decisions. It transcends sympathy; it is about true connection.
2. Patience
"Give time. Listen more."
In the age of instant gratification, patience stands out as a profound act of kindness. It's an invitation to be present, allowing conversations to unfold organically and giving space for emotions and thoughts to emerge without judgment or hurry.
3. Unspoken Stories
"Understand the silent narratives. Value the untold."
Beyond the spoken words are tales of trials, triumphs, and transitions that remain unsaid. Recognizing and valuing these silent narratives are crucial. They shape our beliefs, influence our actions, and often hold the keys to deep understanding.
Wondering what the Benefits of a Trauma-Informed Approach to Communication Are?
Here they are…
Enhanced Relationships: Understanding and empathizing with another's past traumas allows for a deeper, more authentic connection. This can lead to relationships built on trust and understanding.
Emotional Safety: By adopting this approach, we can create a safe space for open dialogue where individuals feel understood and not judged.
Personal Growth: Taking the time to understand others also encourages introspection. We learn more about our own beliefs, biases, and emotions in the process.
Effective Conflict Resolution: A trauma-informed lens can help in diffusing tense situations by understanding the underlying causes of a reaction or behavior.
Promotes Healing: Recognizing and validating someone's trauma can be the first step in their healing process.
Here is a visual creation encompassing the 3 pillars.
Your Daily Challenge:
Challenge yourself today. Dive deeper into your interactions. It's not just about listening to words but feeling the emotion behind them, the history attached to them, and the unsaid between them.
And always remember, sometimes the most potent words are the ones left unsaid. ✨
Join the Conversation:
The world becomes a smaller, warmer when we share our experiences and insights. Have you had a moment where understanding someone's silent narrative changed the course of your interaction? How has empathy and patience impacted your connections? I invite you to share your stories and insights by commenting on this blog, inspiring us all to communicate more deeply and genuinely. 👇
Conclusion:
Genuine connection is a dance of words spoken and unspoken, of understanding met with patience, and of empathy grounded in compassion. Embracing a trauma-informed approach enriches our interactions and fosters genuine, lasting bonds.
Upcoming Community Practices
You are invited to come to learn about our trauma-informed professional vetting process, participate in a human-centered communication circle or attend out next community panel. Please check the dates for the events below:
Trauma-Informed Professional Q+A, October 21st at 12:00 CST
Human-Centered Communication, October 28th at 12:00 CST
Community Panel on Re-parenting on November 12th from 1:00-3:00pm CST
Thank you Fihmiya.
So many golden nuggets here.
'Empathy transcends sympathy; it is about true connection.'
Powerful ✨
Perfectly laid out and profoundly describes importance of trauma-informed communication for all, with all, because of all, in simple, easily understood concepts. Well done, my friend. I am re-sharing :)