When working in a legal field as complex and emotional as institutional abuse, the reality is that lawyers will frequently engage with clients and other parties who have experienced trauma. While the lawyer’s primary focus is navigating the legal issues at hand, dealing with trauma is just as important and far more challenging without proper training. That’s why, at Ryan Carlisle Thomas & Stringer Clark, we train our lawyers to take a trauma-informed approach to all of their clients.

What is trauma?

Trauma occurs when an individual’s safety, control, or stability in a situation is threatened, resulting in emotional, physical, or psychological stress. Trauma is an emotional injury resulting from stress and can result from a single incident, repeated events or a multitude of different occurrences. Trauma presents differently for everyone, reflecting individuals’ experiences in a unique manner.

What is a trauma-informed approach?

The Australian Human Rights Commission defines a trauma-informed approach as:

• understanding trauma and how it can impact individuals
• promoting safety through all interactions
• supporting choice and control for the person affected
• fostering safe and trusting relationships where disclosures of trauma are possible and are responded to appropriately

How do we apply a trauma-informed approach?

A trauma-informed approach in institutional abuse cases requires adaptability, collaboration, and empowerment when working with clients. Respecting that their cultural, economic and social circumstances may have caused the trauma.

Creating a safe space during client meetings and conversations can help foster trust and security, ensuring effective communication. A trauma-informed approach encourages lawyers to listen to clients’ lived experiences, without judgement, while avoiding questions that may cause the client to feel blamed or ashamed.

Lawyers are also be aware that certain elements of the communication process (such as phrases, spaces, or other stimuli) can trigger trauma responses. This means it is imperative we stay present and attentive to the client’s physical and emotional state.

Crucially, our Institutional Abuse lawyers are trained to always maintain appropriate boundaries in order to protect your and their own well-being. This can include maintaining a healthy work-life balance, accepting their own limitations, and referring clients to other professional services when necessary. We work closely with our staff to ensure they are coping with the situation as well.

At Ryan Carlisle Thomas & Stringer Clark, we know that trauma-informed lawyering works for both our clients and our lawyers. We have helped thousands of survivors receive recognition of their suffering and compensation where possible. Learn more about our Institutional Abuse department or contact us to organise a fully confidential, free, no-obligation first consultation.