Calling for Nominations

It’s time to nominate your colleagues for the 3rd quarter FY2021-22 ABDC and Customer Service Superstar Awards!  Nomination forms are below, as well as the eligibility requirements for the ABDC award:

ABCD Nomination / Eligibility

Customer Service Superstar Nomination

DEADLINE for Nominations:  Wednesday, April 27

Trauma Informed Care: How do we create safety in our environment?

by Megan Baker, Clinician – Aspen 

This month, I was reflecting on the trauma-informed care topic of safety and was reminded of an instance safety was established and evaluated with a client. Recently, a client made themselves larger than myself, physically, by quickly standing up within inches of me as I sat in my office chair; they did not speak or make eye contact before or during this interaction. My initial thoughts were, “what is their intention” and “am I safe right now?” In that moment, I recalled learning tips to de-escalate situations such as these. I made sure not to stand up and encroach on their space.  I positioned my body in my chair such that I opened space in the room facing my client at more of an angle than directly on.  My hands were visible and arms not crossed, and I proceeded with a calm demeanor and tone requesting my client resume the session in the chair across from me. They then proceeded to slowly sit back down and the session was able to resume after a brief pause.

What helped me have a sense of safety prior to this encounter was knowing there were panic buttons accessible and functioning, having an office orientation that provides accessible exit routes for all parties, having co-workers in the area in the event I needed assistance, and the ability to process with my supervisor the emotions that come up in sessions. Because I was able to feel physically and emotionally safe, I was able to provide a safe space for this client in the moment, as well as proceed in a calm manner, myself. As they continued to return, session after session, I was reminded by others that they must have felt a sense of safety as well.

As we continue to discuss trauma-informed care, we ask for your reflection. If you can, take a moment to reflect on how your co-workers have assisted you in maintaining safety (via phone or in-person). What did they do for you?

Post your answer on ELoops and earn points!

For those who have requested that Eloops be available via website (versus just a phone application) – your request has been heard!  An Eloops website is now available:

• Visit Web.eloops.com
• Enter your invitation code: Mindsprings
• Enter your work email and your password

This comes just in time as Peer Specialist Brian Bretton gets ready to toss a pie in the face of Circle/WRC Program Director Megan Navarro on Thursday, March 3!