Relationships within the Trauma Informed Care Setting: Building Community and Boundaries


Mandi Pierson, MSW, LISW-S | September 20 | 1:30-2:30 PM | Room 2592

Topic: Direct Service | Knowledge Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Therapeutic alliance, rapport, boundaries: terms professionals have all heard, but how are they put into practice? How can care providers foster relationships that have a positive and lasting impact on the treatment experience? This session will take a closer look at the importance of the relationship between treatment providers and clients. Everything from first-impressions through final sessions have a significant impact on treatment success, especially as setbacks arise. This session will examine how to build or repair therapeutic relationships that are often disrupted by disappointment, trauma, and shame. Time will be provided to discuss the practicalities of building rapport while maintaining boundaries and self-care. Additionally, there will be resources to gain perspective on how trauma impacts building a therapeutic alliance. Finally, there will be discussion regarding the importance of professional relationships and how these connections impact client care.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Develop understanding of positive relationships as Trauma Informed Care.

·  Describe the importance of the therapeutic relationship and ways to build and model healthy relationships.

·  Identify ways to develop a positive therapeutic relationship and ways to recover from challenges.

·  Describe personal boundaries and self-care in the therapeutic relationship.

About the Presenter