Creating Safety for Trauma Survivors: What can Therapists do?

This paper serves as a reminder to those working clinically in the field of trauma of the necessity for therapists to adequately include issues of safety within the therapeutic process. Addressing these issues is an integral part of the therapy and not simply a practical prerequisite or a parallel process. Validation of this thesis is drawn from trauma literature and an account of safety issues relating to the therapeutic setting and processes is given. Case examples illustrate the type of issues that might usefully be addressed within the therapeutic context to increase individual and family safety for clients as they continue to live within their local communities. This paper draws on recent work undertaken at the Family Trauma Centre. This Centre, based in South Belfast, is in its second year of operation. The Family Trauma Centre has a primary remit to provide clinical treatment for children and their families suffering from the traumatic effects of the ‘Troubles’ in Northern Ireland. The community context for this work has been one of continuous low-grade conflict in the midst of a ‘Peace’ process.