Our Services
Welcome to Aware NL: Trauma Awareness Education Services
At Aware NL, we are deeply committed to providing services that are rooted in the principles of trauma-aware and informed approaches to education about trauma.
We recognize the profound impact trauma can have on an individual’s well-being and aim to create an environment where safety, trust, and empowerment are at the forefront of our approaches.
Trauma isn’t always visible, and many people who carry its impact may not even realize it themselves. Whether or not we know someone’s history, we can approach every interaction in a way that prioritizes safety, trust, choice, voice, and resilience.
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A trauma-aware approach isn’t about treating trauma - it’s about recognizing that our words, actions, and environments can either support healing or reinforce harm.
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Our services are designed with an understanding that trust, safety, and healing occurs when individuals feel respected, supported, and understood.
By integrating the key pillars of a trauma-aware approach: safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment into every interaction, we ensure that people have a space where they can access the support they need, free from judgment and re-traumatization.
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Key Principles of a Trauma-Aware Approach in our Workplaces and Communities
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Here’s how we can create spaces in our communities and workplaces where people feel seen, respected, and empowered:
Safety: Be a Safer Person
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We can’t control how someone feels, but we can create conditions that foster safety. The way we speak, listen, and show up matters. Thoughtful body language, a calm and open presence, and respect for personal space can go a long way in helping someone feel at ease.
Safety isn’t just about physical space ~ it’s about creating an environment where people don’t have to be on guard.
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Trust: Actions Speak Louder Than Words
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Trauma can make trust difficult, so every interaction is an opportunity to build or break it. People who have experienced trauma are often highly attuned to tone, body language, and consistency. Even small things, like following through on what you say, responding with patience, and being mindful of how you react, can make a huge difference.
A good rule of thumb? Instead of assuming difficult behaviors are personal, ask:
How might this make sense as a response to past trauma?
What can I do to avoid reinforcing harm and offer a different experience?
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Choice: Empower, Don’t Pressure
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A core experience of trauma is loss of control. A trauma-aware approach restores choice whenever possible. Instead of deciding for someone, offer options. Give clear, transparent information so they can make their own informed decisions.
Even small choices ~ like setting their own pace or choosing how they receive support can help rebuild a sense of control and agency.
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Voice: Listen and Validate
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People who have experienced trauma often feel unheard or dismissed. Making space for their thoughts, feelings, and preferences can be powerful. Ask for their input, invite questions, and genuinely listen without rushing to fix or dismiss their concerns.
Giving someone the opportunity to express themselves shifts the power dynamic in a meaningful way and allows for more relevant, person-centered interactions.
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Strengths and Resilience: Recognize the Survivor, not Just the Struggle
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Trauma responses aren’t failures ~ they’re adaptations. Fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses develop because, at some point, they were necessary for survival. Instead of seeing behaviors as problems, we can recognize them as evidence of resilience and resourcefulness.
A trauma-aware approach acknowledges what someone has survived, validates their strength, and helps them harness that strength for their healing journey.
Why Trauma Awareness Matters
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When we interact with people through a trauma-aware lens, we don’t just avoid harm ~ we actively support well-being. This has a detrimental impact on mental health, trauma recovery, and all types of personal and professional interactions.
Trauma-aware approaches in our organizations, workplaces and communities don’t just benefit those we serve, they make us more effective, compassionate, and impactful in the work we do.
Every conversation, every choice, and every moment of awareness contributes to a culture of safety, belonging, inclusion, community, and healing.
At AWARE NL, we believe that when we understand trauma, we can change the world ~ one safer, more empowering interaction at a time.
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Through this compassionate framework, Aware NL advocates for healing, resilience, and personal growth for all organizations, workplaces, and individuals we serve.
Below, you'll find detailed descriptions of our services and workshops to help you find the right fit for your organization.
"This workshop was informative, educational, and easy to understand, especially for those us working in professions that are not educated on psychological terms.
Denise was friendly, down-to-earth and relatable. Her expertice combined with her lived experience made it easy to connect with her and feel safe to ask questions."
NL Small Business Owner