Trauma-Assumed Care
September 19, 2024
Trauma-assumed Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is an approach that integrates principles of trauma care with the principles of ABA therapy. ABA therapy is a widely used therapeutic approach for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, focusing on teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors while reducing challenging behaviors.
Trauma-assumed care recognizes the widespread impact of trauma on individuals and aims to create an environment that promotes safety, trust, and empowerment for those who we care for. When applied to ABA therapy, this approach acknowledges that individuals with developmental disabilities, including those receiving ABA therapy, may have a higher likelihood of experiencing trauma due to various factors such as communication barriers, sensory sensitivities, and social vulnerabilities.
Here are some key aspects of trauma-assumed ABA therapy:
- Safety and Trust: Emphasis is placed on creating a safe and supportive environment for the individual undergoing therapy. Building trust between the therapist and the individual is crucial for effective treatment.
- Understanding Trauma Histories: We are trained to recognize the signs of trauma and understand the potential impact of past traumatic experiences on the individual's behavior and responses to therapy.
- Empowerment and Choice: Individuals are given choices and shared control over their therapy whenever possible, empowering them to participate in decision-making and advocating for their own needs.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing and respecting cultural differences is essential in trauma-assumed ABA therapy. Therapists strive to understand the cultural background of the individual and adapt their approach accordingly.
- Collaboration and Support: Collaboration with family members, caregivers, and other professionals involved in the individual's care is encouraged to provide holistic support and address the individual's needs comprehensively.
- Flexibility and Individualization: Treatment plans are tailored to the unique strengths, challenges, and preferences of each individual. Therapists remain flexible in their approach, adjusting strategies as needed to accommodate the individual's changing needs.
- Emotional Regulation and Coping Skills: Techniques for emotional regulation and coping skills are integrated into therapy sessions to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
- Trauma-sensitive Language and Interactions: Therapists use language and interactions that are sensitive to trauma and avoid re-traumatization. This includes using positive reinforcement, validating the individual's feelings, and maintaining a non-judgmental attitude.
By incorporating these principles, trauma-assumed ABA therapy aims to promote growth, resilience, and positive outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the whole person while approaching them in a trauma-assumed manner and providing support that is respectful, compassionate, and empowering.
Ciera received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Oakland University in 2019. While completing her education, Ciera was a therapy aide here at Euro-Therapies, which allowed her to gain valuable experience that she now shares with her patients and families. Ciera took on the role of Director of Physical Therapy here at Euro-Therapies in January 2024. Ciera's passion for Physical Therapy comes from her own experiences. Having to attend PT as a child for a developmental hip disorder, her experience was, in her words, "not entertaining." Ciera wanted to make Physical Therapy for children a fun and beneficial experience. She accomplishes this for her pediatric patients by customizing a treatment plan around the child's likes and needs. Ciera is Introductory Level B DMI certified and plans to continue through Introductory Level C. She is certified through the APTA as a Level 1 APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor. She is the Education Director for the APTA Michigan Pediatric Special Interest Group. Outside work, Ciera enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and dog, rooting for University of Michigan Sports teams, visiting family, and entertaining friends.
Tammy has over 30 years of experience in behavioral analysis and child advocacy. She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan and a graduate degree in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Capella University, where she graduated with distinction. Tammy's career spans various settings, including schools, direct care facilities, clients' homes, and the court system. After a period focused on raising her children, she returned to her professional work with a solid commitment to helping others. Her diverse background led her to specialize as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), focusing on Autism and significantly impacting the lives of children in this field. In addition to her direct work with children, Tammy has advocated for children's rights within the foster care system, ensuring their legal protections are upheld. Tammy enjoys spending time with her family, exploring her faith, and being outdoors in her free time.
Colleen's devotion to physical therapy comes from her first-hand knowledge of its benefits. She is continually inspired by her brother, who has overcome challenges related to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy diagnosis. The bond she shares with her sibling has also motivated her to co-found a foundation that grants bucket list experiences to individuals with a physical disability. A native of Buffalo, New York, Colleen came to Euro-Therapies with a Bachelor's in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Pittsburgh. Her passion for treating neurological disorders prompted Colleen to continue her education at Villa Maria College and become a physical therapist assistant. Colleen enjoys traveling and attending sporting events in her off-time, wildly cheering on the Buffalo Bills whenever possible.
Rachelle attended Michigan State University (Go Green), where she obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology. After graduation, Rachelle began working at Euro-Therapies as a therapy aide while she completed her Associate of Health Science Degree, PTA, at Mott Community College. After watching her grandfather struggle with and then beat pancreatic cancer, Rachelle knew she wanted to help people in a healthcare setting. In high school, her desire to practice physical therapy was solidified after spending a lot of time in the athletic trainer's office before and after practice. When Rachelle is not treating her adult or pediatric patients, she can be found hanging out with her family & friends, training the new family puppy, and enjoying the outdoors.
