“It’s not about the waffle maker:” trauma-informed social work practice

Abstract

This report highlights my Master’s in social work practicum experiences in private practice providing trauma-informed therapy to clients who have experienced varying degrees of interpersonal trauma. The purpose of the practicum was to enrich my theoretical understanding of trauma-informed practice and enhance my clinical skills in direct social work practice with clients who have experienced trauma. This report summarizes my experiences as a clinical social worker in a private practice setting. I begin with an overview of my personal and professional experiences and highlight the rationale for my practicum placement. I then discuss my literature review defining the term ‘trauma,’ and discuss cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and attachment theory as foundational theories that guided my clinical work. I outline important aspects of trauma-informed practice and integrate a conceptual framework I used. Throughout this paper, I blend professional and practicum experiences regarding theoretical and practical applications of social work tools to client experiences. I note challenges and ethical considerations of trauma-informed practice and conclude with a brief summary and recommendations for future social work practice.