Ellen M. Griley
Trauma-Informed Communications
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What does it mean to be trauma-informed?

Trauma-informed isn’t a buzzword — it’s a commitment to understanding how complex, sometimes invisible experiences shape the way people receive and respond to information at work.

 
 

Drawing from two decades of research and practice, my trauma-informed approach means:

  • Recognizing the spectrum of trauma: Traumatic experiences — visible and invisible, personal and collective — are common. Their effects can show up in attention, decision-making, trust, and engagement at work.

  • Foundational principles: Building on national models like those from SAMHSA, trauma-informed communication is grounded in:

    • Psychological safety

    • Trustworthiness and transparency

    • Collaboration and voice

    • Empowerment and inclusion

    • Recognition of cultural, historical, and gender issues

  • Beyond crisis response: It’s not about what’s happened “out there”— it's about equipping your workplace to communicate thoughtfully, regardless of what people are carrying with them.

 

Trauma-informed COMMUNICATION is about more than words…

It’s about creating reliable structures, clear expectations, and communications that foster a culture where everyone can focus and contribute. In practice, that means communications aren’t just readable — they’re relevant, repeatable, and respectful of the real world your employees inhabit.