Mental Health: Trauma-Informed Care and Practice

Running head: MENTAL HEALTH
Cluster 6- Written Assignment
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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Task 1
1. Workers in the non-trauma sensitive service should work in way that realizes the
widespread effect of the trauma that Mary-Jane is currently suffering from, in addition
to understanding the potential pathways for her recovery. Research evidences have
elaborated on the fact that a person diagnosed with borderline personality disorder
(BPD) is most commonly subjected to discrimination and stigma (Chanen &
McCutcheon, 2013). Workers of the non-trauma service might initially consider
Mary-Jane as difficult, manipulative, untreatable and attention seeking. The workers
might show a failure in recognizing the signs and symptoms of trauma related to BPD
in the client. However, they are expected to address the individual needs and
preference of the client, an implement a care approach accordingly. In the words of
Henderson, Evans-Lacko & Thornicroft (2013) people suffering from a range of
mental illnesses have often reported experiences of social stigma and the
discrimination towards them often worsen the situation, thus impeding the recovery
process. The non-trauma sensitive workers are likely to show similarity with the
community and the society that holds stereotyped views on mental disorders and
considers most person affected with such illness as dangerous and violent. Mary-Jane
might be treated in a negative manner in the service centre. This can be attributed to
the fact that other people often judge the patients depending on their identity and
mental condition, besides the gender, sexual orientation, disability, employment and
family status (Corrigan, Druss & Perlick, 2014).
Failure of the workers in delivering appropriate interventions for the disease
Mary-Jane has been diagnosed with might be attributed to the fact that greater
prevalence of mental disorders like anxiety and depression often make it difficult for
reduced recognition of other illnesses. Some of the beliefs that might impede

2MENTAL HEALTH
appropriate treatment of Mary-Jane in the non-trauma service centre are associated
with prevalent myths on mental illness such as, air pollution, bad parenting, poor diet,
curse of God, past sins or evil eyes (Ighodaro et al., 2015). Misconceptions and myths
about mental disease might contribute to the stereotype and stigma, which will
prevent the workers from responding to the presenting complaints of the client. Thus,
they will not be able to completely integrate their knowledge related to trauma into
the procedures or practices that are intended to be followed. These attitudes and
beliefs result in a stigma that compromises social standing of the affected person and
is generally perceives mental illness as a mark of discredit and/or shame. Moreover,
the workers the non-trauma sensitive service might also display an intolerant attitude
towards the client, thereby not forming a close rapport with her.
2. a) Traumatic experiences is an umbrella terms that usually applies to all kinds of
incidents that are responsible for causing physical, spiritual, emotional or
psychological harm to a person (Craparo, Schimmenti & Caretti, 2013). If I were to
raise the issue of traumatic experiences while working with Mary-Jane, I would
implement a trauma informed approach. A trauma informed approach will be
implemented by me in the case scenario, where I would focus on showing adherence
to realisation and recognition. Efforts will be taken to gain a deeper understanding of
the trauma associated stress reactions. I would try to understand how the trauma that
Mary-Jane had suffered in the course of her lifetime affected her presentation and
engagement. According to Gunderson & Sabo (2013) borderline personality disorder
is primarily characterised ongoing patterns of differences in self-image, mood and
behaviour. These symptoms are most commonly responsible for problems in
relationships and impulsive actions.

3MENTAL HEALTH
I would raise the issue of the experiences that were faced by the client by
fostering trustworthiness and transparency in the treatment approach. Establishing a
good rapport with the client will facilitate the development of a radical transparency,
which in turn would allow Mary-Jane to disclose her fears and vulnerabilities, in
addition to the problematic experiences that she had encountered in her childhood
(Glueck, 2013). Herman (2015) stated that acknowledgment of the traumatic life
experiences that people have often been subjected to is shrouded in denial and
secrecy. The most compelling reason that governs the understanding of trauma is the
link between its prevalence and post-traumatic disorders. Raising the issue of the
traumatic experiences is essential since traumatic events have been found responsible
for direct threats of death or psychological injury. There is mounting evidence for the
fact that people diagnosed with BPD have an increased likelihood of reporting history
of some kind of child abuse and distressing experiences (Bornovalova et al., 2013).
Thus, I would initiate the conversation by expressing empathy towards the client,
which in turn would help in the development of a good carer-servicer user
relationship (Figley, 2013). Psychiatric manifestations that are realted to an exposure
to trauma create an adverse impact on the cognition, normative functioning, sensation
experiences and social wellbeing. Thus, I would take efforts communicate well in
order to establish trust and discuss about the experiences that might have resulted in
the mental illness.
b) Interacting with a client about previous or present experiences related to abuse, or
trauma, has been a mainstay of the assessment and treatment phase of most mental
disorders. When the client Mary-Jane finds the courage to disclose about the trauma
related to abuse and sexual assault that she had experienced in her childhood, the
responses will be given in a manner that displays a compassion, non-judgmental