Trauma-Informed Rehabilitation Counseling

People with trauma histories make up a significant portion of the population. Individuals may develop trauma-related disabilities as a result of exposure to adverse life events such as violence, war, child abuse, or natural disasters. Likewise, people with pre-existing disabilities may be at risk of developing secondary trauma-related disabilities. The likelihood that rehabilitation counselors will provide services to individuals with trauma histories is high; therefore, the purposes of this literature review are to: (a) define trauma and explore its physiological, emotional, and behavioral effects on trauma survivors; (b) define trauma-informed care and explore its basic principles; and (c) introduce concepts and strategies to implement as part of trauma-informed rehabilitation counseling.