You Deserve Safe, Respectful, and Empowering Medical Care: Your Guide to Trauma-Informed Doctor Visits
For many people, the thought of going to a medical appointment can bring up feelings of fear, discomfort, or vulnerability. Whether it’s a routine visit or something more serious, these feelings can stem from various past experiences—perhaps feeling dismissed by a provider, being rushed through an appointment, or experiencing invasive procedures without clear communication. For some, medical settings may even trigger memories of previous trauma, leaving them feeling anxious, unsafe, or powerless.
But you deserve better. You deserve care that feels safe, respectful, and empowering. This is what trauma-informed care (TIC) offers: a way of approaching healthcare that acknowledges your unique experiences, validates your concerns, and puts you at the center of your care. Let’s dive deeper into what TIC is, how it’s delivered, why it matters, and how you can advocate for it—even when it feels difficult.
What Is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-informed care (TIC) is a compassionate approach to medical, therapeutic, and support services that recognizes the impact of trauma on health, behavior, and interactions with healthcare.
When we talk about “trauma” in this context, it doesn’t just mean catastrophic events like abuse or violence. Trauma is any experience that overwhelms your ability to cope and makes you feel powerless.
Examples include:
Medical trauma: Experiences like difficult childbirth, painful procedures, or feeling dismissed or judged during past appointments.
Chronic stress or illness: Living with health conditions that make you feel out of control or stigmatized.
Systemic trauma: Facing discrimination in healthcare due to factors like race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or body size.
Historical trauma: The generational effects of systemic oppression or abuse that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
TIC is built on the understanding that trauma is widespread, impacts everyone differently, and can affect how people feel and behave in medical settings. By prioritizing your safety, autonomy, and comfort, TIC creates an environment where you can feel empowered and engaged in your care.
How Trauma-Informed Care Is Delivered
At its core, trauma-informed care is about the how of healthcare—not just what is done, but how it is done. Providers practicing TIC prioritize:
Safety: Creating both physical and emotional safety. This might include clear explanations of what’s happening, a calm environment, and respecting personal boundaries.
Choice: Offering options and respecting your autonomy. You’re involved in decisions, not just a passive recipient of care.
Collaboration: Working together as partners. Your insights, preferences, and voice are valued.
Empowerment: Helping you feel confident and capable. Providers recognize and support your strengths.
Trustworthiness: Fostering trust through transparency, honesty, and consistency.
Examples of Trauma-Informed Care in Practice
Your provider should:
Explain every step of an exam or procedure before it begins, so you know what to expect.
Ask for your consent before touching you or proceeding with any part of the visit.
Invite you to bring a support person or suggest grounding techniques to help you stay present.
Offer breaks if you feel overwhelmed or anxious.
Create an environment that feels less clinical—for example, by dimming lights, softening their tone of voice, or using inclusive language.
These may seem like small changes, but they can make a world of difference for people who feel vulnerable in medical settings.
Why Trauma-Informed Care Benefits Everyone
Trauma-informed care isn’t just for people with a history of trauma—it benefits all patients. Why?
More Open Communication: When you feel safe and respected, you’re more likely to share important details about your health, leading to better care.
Improved Outcomes: Feeling in control and engaged in your care has been linked to better health outcomes and lower stress levels.
Reduced Fear and Anxiety: TIC minimizes the potential for retraumatization or discomfort, making appointments feel less overwhelming.
Stronger Patient-Provider Relationships: Trust and collaboration lead to a better partnership, fostering long-term health and well-being.
By practicing TIC, providers create a ripple effect that benefits not only individual patients but the healthcare system as a whole.
How to Advocate for Trauma-Informed Care
Advocating for yourself in medical settings can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve had difficult experiences in the past. But you have the right to feel safe, respected, and heard. Here’s how you can take steps to ensure you receive trauma-informed care:
1. Vet Providers Ahead of Time: Preparation is key to setting yourself up for success. When possible, vet your healthcare providers in advance by asking key questions over the phone or reviewing patient testimonials. If you’re unsure where to start, consider these questions:
Does the provider explain procedures before and during the appointment?
Will they seek my consent before touching or proceeding with any part of the exam?
Are they willing to pause or accommodate if I feel overwhelmed?
Do they welcome support persons, sensory tools, or grounding techniques during the appointment?
You may not always get detailed responses, but listen for openness and willingness to collaborate. Providers who take the time to answer these questions thoughtfully are more likely to create a trauma-informed environment.
Check Reviews or Referrals: Look for feedback from other patients who’ve had positive experiences with the provider.
2. Set Boundaries at the Appointment: This is where self-advocacy becomes a moment-to-moment process. It’s essential to communicate your needs and boundaries in a clear but respectful way. While it might feel uncomfortable, remember that advocating for yourself is not only valid but essential for receiving safe care.
Here are strategies to help you during the visit:
Start with Expectations and Be Clear About Your Needs: At the beginning of your appointment, let the provider know what you need to feel safe and comfortable. For example:
“I have a history of trauma, and it’s important for me to know what to expect during this visit. Could you explain each step before we proceed?”
Establish a Stop Signal: Create a clear way to signal if you need to pause, such as raising your hand or saying “stop.” Let the provider know in advance:
“If I feel uncomfortable or need to pause, can we agree that I’ll raise my hand?”
Establish a Stop Signal: Create a clear way to signal if you need to pause, such as raising your hand or saying “stop.” Let the provider know in advance:
“If I feel uncomfortable or need to pause, can we agree that I’ll raise my hand?”
Ask for Consent and Clarity: If the provider moves forward without explanation, gently redirect the conversation:
“Before we proceed, could you explain what you’re about to do? I want to ensure I’m comfortable with each step.”
Request Adjustments: Don’t hesitate to ask for environmental or procedural changes, such as dimming lights, adjusting the pace of the appointment, or using grounding techniques like holding a soft object.
Bring a Support Person: If allowed, bring someone you trust to help you feel grounded and safe.
While not every provider will be equally accommodating, most are willing to work collaboratively when you express your needs clearly and respectfully.
3. Use Advocacy Tools
Write Down Your Needs: Create an advocacy card or script to share with your provider. For example: “I value trauma-informed care and have a few requests to help me feel comfortable today:
Please explain each step of the exam.
Ask for my consent before proceeding.
“I may need to pause if I feel overwhelmed.”
Ground Yourself: Use grounding techniques like slow breathing, focusing on a comforting object, or visualizing a calming place to manage anxiety during the visit.
4. Reflect on Your Experience: If the provider met your needs, consider leaving positive feedback or recommending them to others. Acknowledging good care helps reinforce the importance of trauma-informed practices.
Assess the Provider: After the appointment, consider: Did they respect your boundaries? Were you treated with kindness and transparency?
Follow Up: If you felt safe and supported, leave a positive review or recommend the provider to others. If not, it’s okay to explore other options and learn from the experience. If the experience was less than ideal, you have several options: you can share your concerns directly with the provider, seek care elsewhere, or consult patient advocates for additional support.
It’s okay to continue searching until you find a provider who aligns with your needs. Advocacy is not about perfection—it’s about finding the best possible fit for your care.
A Final Note of Empowerment
You are the expert on your body and your needs, and you deserve care that reflects that. Advocating for yourself can be difficult, and it’s okay to feel nervous or unsure. The healthcare system isn’t always designed to make self-advocacy easy, but every step you take toward asserting your needs is a step toward reclaiming your power and ensuring you receive the care you deserve.
Remember, trauma-informed care is about more than just avoiding harm—it’s about creating a partnership where you feel respected, heard, and valued. Whether you’re navigating a challenging medical history or simply want to feel more comfortable in healthcare settings, advocating for TIC can transform your experience and pave the way for healing and trust. You are not alone in this process. Many people are working toward more inclusive, trauma-informed healthcare systems, and your voice is a vital part of that movement.
You deserve to feel safe, respected, and in control of your healthcare. Keep advocating, keep asking for what you need, and know that you are worth every effort it takes to get there.
