Below is a chart showing some of the most common cultural mistakes about trauma and alternative responses to the same situation. Read the chart and consider how certified peer specialists can make their peer relationships more culturally and trauma sensitive. Notice that using these alternative responses can lead to more trauma- informed interactions with all the people certified peer specialists work with, not just those from other cultures. Common Cultural Mistakes About Trauma More Culturally Sensitive Approach
Assuming everyone who has experienced violence needs professional help. Focusing on the most extreme instances of violence as the most damaging. Assuming that violence is unusual, an aberration, and generally perpetrated by individuals. Applying norms and standards of behavior without considering political and social context. Relying on DSM diagnoses or lists of trauma symptoms. Assuming one person’s story represents the typical story for the group. Inadvertently highlighting the stories of people that fit cultural stereotypes. Assuming if people speak English, you do not need an interpreter or translated documents.
Not assuming anything about a person and holding space for them to share their story. Educating oneself about the identities of a peer to better understand the intersections of their experiences. Allowing each person to define what aspects of their experience have been most traumatic and recognizing that this may change over time. Recognizing that violence is perpetrated by groups and institutions, not only individuals, and may be so common that people become desensitized to it. Recognizing that political and social oppression impacts a person’s experience, and it affects priorities and values. Recognizing that historical and racial trauma are not considered in the DSM but do contribute to the various responses that individuals do to express grief and loss. Recognizing that one person’s story is just one person’s story. Providing opportunities for many people to share their stories and noticing what is unique; making sure many points of view are represented. Recognizing that some topics are very difficult to talk about in anything other than a person’s first language. Provide accessible resources for people to receive information. Approach with curiosity, avoiding assumptions.
Assume.
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