For many patients, the GP clinic is more than just a place for scripts and check-ups — it’s a frontline contact for mental health.
But for people with trauma histories, even a routine appointment can trigger anxiety, mistrust, or shutdown. That’s where trauma-informed care comes in.
It’s not a new referral pathway. It’s a mindset — one that helps patients feel safe, respected, and understood.
What Is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-informed care recognises that:
- Trauma is common
- It shows up in many different ways
- It affects the nervous system and sense of safety
- Even well-meaning interactions can accidentally retraumatise
In short, trauma-informed care asks:
“What happened to you?” instead of “What’s wrong with you?”
Why This Matters in General Practice
Many trauma-impacted patients:
- Miss appointments or struggle with follow-up
- Avoid screening or physical exams
- Seem guarded, frustrated, or disconnected
- Minimise distress or apologise for asking for help
Without context, this can look like non-compliance or personality issues. With a trauma-informed lens, it makes sense.
6 Principles GPs Can Apply in Consults
1. Safety
Start with warmth and predictability. Explain what will happen in the appointment. Avoid rushing, especially for sensitive topics.
“We’ll take things step by step — you’re in control.”
2. Choice
Give options where possible. Even small choices restore agency.
“Would you like to talk about that today, or come back another time?”
3. Collaboration
Position the patient as the expert in their experience. Invite partnership.
“What do you think would help most right now?”
4. Trustworthiness
Be consistent. Explain why you’re asking certain questions. If something needs to wait, let them know when you’ll follow up.
“I’ll read through this carefully and call you next week.”
5. Empowerment
Acknowledge strength and survival. Avoid language that pathologises coping strategies.
“That makes sense given what you’ve been through.”
6. Cultural and Historical Sensitivity
Be mindful of power dynamics, past medical harm, and identity-based stress (e.g. racism, gender identity, migration trauma).
Small Shifts, Big Impact
Instead of: “Why didn’t you follow the plan?”
Try: “Was there anything that made it hard to follow through?”
Instead of: “We only have 15 minutes.”
Try: “We’ve got about 15 minutes — let’s focus on what feels most urgent to you.”
Working With Mental Health Clinicians
- Let us know if you have safety concerns or context to share
- Don’t assume a patient is “fine” just because they’re articulate or high-functioning
- Ask if there are trauma-aware psychologists or services you can recommend — not all therapy is trauma-informed
Final Thought
Trauma-informed care isn’t about walking on eggshells. It’s about creating a space where more patients feel able to engage — even when they’ve been let down before.
When GPs bring compassion, curiosity, and calm to the room, healing doesn’t just begin in therapy. It starts right there, in your consult room.
