Trauma-informed vs. Trauma-sensitive: What is the difference and why does it matter?

I studied a foreign language for my undergrad (French) and loved examining the versatility of words, usages, and contextual intentions. I have always loved that our choice of words can communicate as much as the words themselves, because we have to choose what words are not appropriate. I like to think of it like the difference between saying "I'm frustrated" and "I'm enraged:" frustrated sounds like something that can be quickly addressed, while enraged points to a more drastic need.

Organizations have been more cognisant of their use of language, such as the difference between Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion vs. Diversity, Equity, and Belonging. Inclusion meaning, "hey, come on in and have a seat;" belonging meaning, "hey, come sit with me. I'd love to get to know you!"

What does this mean for trauma? When organizations and individuals describe themselves as trauma-informed, they are communicating that they have knowledge of trauma and its deleterious effects on the human brain, body, functioning, and ability to build and sustain healthy connections. Contrastingly, when organizations and individuals describe themselves as trauma-sensitive, they are saying that they have all that same knowledge and that they are employing that knowledge to build spaces and environments that seek to prevent and alleviate symptoms.

The difference between being trauma-informed and trauma-sensitive rests in whether and to what degree we employ our knowledge of trauma. When we talk about being trauma-sensitive, we are saying, "I have enough knowledge of trauma to know that more than 60% of adults have some history of childhood trauma and many likewise histories of trauma in adulthood. I know that trauma changes how we perceive safety, build connections, and engage performance. Because I know all of this, I make intentional decisions about how I use my voice, body, and authority so people with a history of trauma can feel seen, understood, safe, and valued without having to make disclosures."

In your experience, do organizations and invididuals who say they are trauma-sensitive and trauma-informed exhibit such differences?