Creating a Safe Haven: Building Workplace Support Systems for Trauma Survivors Creating a Safe Haven

Building a support system in the workplace is crucial for trauma survivors as it can provide the understanding, validation, and connection needed for healing and recovery.

The challenge that many trauma survivors face is connected to the relational nature of their trauma. When you’ve been hurt or abused by the people who were supposed to protect you as a child, it makes it difficult to trust people in general.

In her book, The Post-Traumatic Growth Guidebook, Dr. Arielle Schwartz talks about the concept of “Relating,” which is critical for healing trauma. She says:

“One of the most profound ways that we rewire the brain is through a healing relationship, one that allows us to feel cared for and understood. According to Louis Cozolino (2010), author of The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy, our brains are wired for connection, are strengthened by connection, and cannot be fully understood outside of the context of relationships. … “Moreover, through healthy relationships, we have an opportunity to rewire how the brain maintains our memories of our earliest attachment wounds.”

Our first experience with this type of healing relationship often comes with our therapist, but not always. A friend had a grandmother who provided that healing attachment for her, which is wonderful. Perhaps you had a friend, coach, or manager that provided that for you.

While learning to build safe relationships may start in therapy, continuing to build those kinds of safe relationships in the workplace is crucial for the trauma survivor trying to navigate an often-triggering work environment. Most survivors see their therapist once a week or even once every other week, and there is a lot of life that happens in the workplace between those sessions.

Therefore, it is important to build a support system that can help us stay focused between appointments. Ideally, this would be a spouse, partner, friend, co-worker, or boss. But what if you don’t have one?

Remember that building a support system is a gradual process, and taking small steps is okay

Here are some steps and strategies you can use to build and strengthen your support systems:

1. Identify Existing Supports: Start by recognizing the people in your life who are supportive and understanding. This might include friends, family members, coworkers, or acquaintances.
2. Join Support Groups: Look for local or online support groups for trauma survivors. These groups provide a safe space to share experiences, receive validation, and connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
3. Educate Your Supports: Help your friends and family understand trauma and its effects. Share resources or articles to help them gain insight into your experiences.
4. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries with your support system to protect your emotional well-being. Communicate your needs and limits honestly and assertively.
5. Open Communication: Foster open and honest communication within your support network. Encourage friends and family to ask questions and listen without judgment.
6. Self-Care: Prioritize self-care to build resilience and maintain your own well-being. This sets an example for your support system and helps ensure you have the energy and emotional capacity to engage with them.
7. Build Trust Gradually: Trust can be challenging for trauma survivors, so don’t rush it. Allow trust to develop naturally as you build stronger connections with supportive individuals.
8. Practice Vulnerability: Share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with trusted individuals. Vulnerability can lead to deeper connections and a better understanding of your needs.
9. Mutual Support: Offer support and reciprocate in your relationships when possible. Mutual support can strengthen bonds and create a more balanced and resilient support system.
10. Stay Open to New Connections: Be open to forming new friendships or connections, even if you’ve experienced betrayal or disappointment. Not everyone is the same; new relationships can offer fresh perspectives and support.
11. Self-Acceptance: Practice self-acceptance and self-compassion. Accept that healing is a journey, and it’s okay to seek support and care from others.
12. Supportive Activities: Engage in activities or hobbies that promote connection and social interaction, such as group classes, volunteer work, or community events.

Remember that building a support system is a gradual process, and taking small steps is okay. Healing from trauma often involves both professional help and the support of caring individuals in your life. Building a robust support system can significantly improve recovery and resilience.

An Invitation

If you are a trauma survivor looking for an online community of other survivors focusing on their careers, I invite you to join The Resilient Career Academy™ Community. (RCA Community)

The RCA Community is a FREE group dedicated to helping/supporting trauma survivors working to overcome the legacy effects of trauma on their careers.

The benefits to you are:

• Community — The community provides support, encouragement, the ability to share frustrations and get feedback from people who understand the struggle
• Workplace/Career Resources — The group provides tools, resources, and templates to help you with your career journey
• Available Coaching Support — The community is supported by trained and certified trauma recovery coaches who are available for individual sessions
• Learning — You will have access to various trauma/workplace-related online courses developed by our coaches to help you in your journey
• Workshops/Webinars — You will have access to practical workshops/webinars targeted to help you in the workplace to grow your career

If you are interested in joining us, click here: https://resilientcareeracademy.myflodesk.com/community

As always, you do not have to walk this journey alone. Contact me to schedule your free discovery call.

Trigger Tracker Template — This is a FREE resource to help you keep track of the triggers in your workplace and to plan the coping strategies you will use to get through the experience.

Get on the waiting list for The Resilient Career Academy™. You won’t want to miss it.

If you want to stay informed on the programs, tools, and training I offer, sign up for my mailing list.

You can also visit my website for more information on courses and other freebies I offer at: https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

 

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