Why Trauma Informed?
Understanding trauma and its impact is the first step toward creating environments where people can truly thrive. This page explores what trauma is, how it affects the brain, and why trauma-informed practices—especially in schools—are essential for improving attendance, academics, and behavior.
What is Trauma?
Trauma is the emotional, psychological, and physical response to an event—or series of events—that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. It can result from experiences such as abuse, neglect, violence, accidents, disasters, or other situations that create intense fear, helplessness, or horror.
Trauma impacts how the brain and body function, influencing thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships. While every person’s response is unique, trauma often leaves lasting effects that can shape how someone experiences the world and engages with others.
Trauma and the Brain
When a person experiences trauma, the brain’s alarm system goes into overdrive to keep them safe. The amygdala (the brain’s “smoke detector”) becomes hyper-alert, scanning constantly for danger. At the same time, the prefrontal cortex—the part responsible for logic, reasoning, and decision-making—can go offline, making it harder to think clearly or regulate emotions.
The hippocampus, which helps process memories, may store traumatic experiences in fragmented or sensory-based ways, causing triggers to feel like the event is happening all over again. Over time, these changes can keep the body stuck in survival mode, impacting learning, relationships, and overall well-being.
Survival Brain vs. Learning Brain
When someone experiences trauma or high stress, the brain can shift into “survival mode” to protect them. In this state, the amygdala takes charge, activating fight, flight, or freeze responses. Blood flow and energy are directed toward staying safe—not toward thinking, problem-solving, or remembering details. This is known as the survival brain.
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In contrast, the learning brain—powered by the prefrontal cortex—is where reasoning, creativity, and emotional regulation happen. For the learning brain to be active, a person needs to feel physically and emotionally safe. Trauma-informed environments work to reduce perceived threats, meet basic needs, and build trust so students, clients, or staff can shift from survival brain to learning brain. This shift is key to growth, connection, and success.
What is Trauma Informed?
Being trauma-informed means understanding how past experiences—especially those involving adversity, abuse, or neglect—can shape the way people think, feel, and behave. It’s an approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma, works to create environments that feel safe and supportive, and avoids practices that may unintentionally re-traumatize.
Trauma-informed practice is guided by principles such as safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. It shifts the focus from asking “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”—and more importantly, “What’s strong within you?”—so individuals can heal, grow, and thrive.
Survival Brain vs. Learning Brain
Trauma-informed approaches help by creating environments where safety, trust, and understanding come first. When individuals feel secure and respected, their nervous systems can shift out of survival mode, allowing the brain’s learning and problem-solving areas to engage. This leads to improved emotional regulation, stronger relationships, and better outcomes in school, work, and daily life.
For educators, counselors, and organizations, being trauma-informed means using strategies that reduce triggers, build resilience, and empower individuals to reach their full potential. Over time, this approach doesn’t just support healing—it fosters a culture of compassion and success for everyone.
Why is Trauma Informed Important in Schools?
In schools, trauma can show up as chronic absenteeism, declining academic performance, and challenging behaviors. Students who have experienced adversity may struggle to focus, regulate emotions, or feel safe in the classroom—making it harder for them to engage and learn. A trauma-informed approach addresses these barriers by creating predictable routines, fostering trust, and responding to behavior with empathy rather than punishment.
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When schools become trauma-informed, attendance often improves because students feel welcomed and supported. Academic achievement rises as students are able to access their learning brain, and behavioral incidents decrease as students gain tools to manage emotions and resolve conflicts. The result is a school culture where every student has the opportunity to feel safe, connected, and capable of success.
Become a Trauma Informed School
If you’re ready to transform your school into a place where every student feels safe, supported, and ready to learn, I can help. Through engaging trainings, hands-on workshops, and practical tools, I equip educators, administrators, and school staff with strategies that address the root causes of behaviors, boost attendance, and improve academic outcomes.
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Whether you’re looking for a one-day session, a multi-day training, or ongoing consultation, we’ll work together to create a plan tailored to your school’s unique needs. Let’s build a culture where both students and staff can thrive—starting today.
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Contact me, Dr. Abigail Rebeske, to learn more or schedule your training: drabiletsbehonest@gmail.com