Trauma-Informed Career Conversations

03/09/2024

Dr Trent Loader is an Assistant Director within the Workforce Australia for Individuals Division of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. He completed his Doctoral Thesis last year centred around the Chaos Theory of Careers focusing on the question, 'How do adolescents perceive chance events in relation to opportunity awareness?'. This is part 2 of our series on trauma-informed practice.

Career development professionals and counsellors in Australia frequently encounter clients impacted by trauma. These experiences can significantly influence career choices, workplace experiences, and overall well-being.

This article explores the concept of trauma-informed career conversations, outlining an approach that fosters trust, empowers clients, and supports successful career exploration. We will look at the prevalence of trauma in Australia, its impact on career development, and practical strategies for practitioners to integrate trauma-informed practices into their conversations.

Prevalence of Trauma in Australia

The field of career development recognises the importance of understanding individual needs and experiences. However, recent research highlights the critical need to address the impact of trauma on career exploration and decision-making (Barrow et al., 2019; Wright & Chan, 2022).

Trauma, defined as an event or series of events that an individual perceives as physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening can have lasting negative consequences on a person's mental, physical, and social well-being (The National Centre for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, n.d.).

Given the high prevalence of trauma in Australia, with an estimated 60% of Australians experiencing at least one traumatic event in their lifetime (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2019), it's crucial for career development practitioners and counsellors (hereafter referred to as practitioners) to integrate trauma-informed practices into their conversations.

The Impact of Trauma on Career Development

Trauma can manifest in various ways, impacting self-esteem, trust, and emotional regulation (The National Centre for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, n.d.). These challenges can significantly influence how individuals approach career development. For instance, clients with a history of trauma may struggle to identify their strengths and experience difficulty setting and pursuing career goals.

Additionally, trauma can trigger hypervigilance or avoidance behaviours, making it difficult for individuals to navigate professional settings or advocate for themselves in the workplace (Wright & Chan, 2022).

Principles of Trauma-Informed Career Conversations

Trauma-informed conversations prioritise safety, collaboration, and empowerment.

Here are key principles for practitioners to consider:

• Create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable disclosing past experiences or challenges, if they choose to do so. This includes verbal and non-verbal communication that conveys empathy and respect. Consider offering clients the option to have a support person present during sessions.
• Take a client-centred approach and empower clients to control the pace and direction of the conversation. Avoid pressuring them to disclose details they are not comfortable sharing. This builds trust and allows clients to feel a sense of agency in their career exploration.
• Use strengths-based language, by focusing on identifying and building upon client strengths. Trauma can overshadow positive qualities; highlight client resilience and resourcefulness. Explore past experiences where clients have demonstrated these strengths, connecting them to potential career paths.
• Strength-based language in career practice focuses on emphasising a participant’s strengths, skills, and positive attributes rather than their weaknesses or deficits such as:

Identifying Strengths, instead of saying, “You lack experience in this field,” say, “You have a strong foundation in [related field/skill], which can be a valuable asset as you transition into this new area.”

Reframing Challenges, instead of saying, “You struggle with time management,” say, “You have a lot on your plate, and developing effective time management strategies will help you maximise your productivity.”

Building Confidence, instead of saying, “You need to work on your networking skills,” say, “You have a natural ability to connect with others, and with a bit more practice, you can expand your professional network even further.”

Encouraging Growth, instead of saying, “You don’t have the necessary qualifications,” say, “You have a strong interest in this field, and pursuing further education or certification could enhance your qualifications.”

Highlighting Achievements, instead of saying, “You haven’t had any significant career successes yet,” say, “You’ve accomplished a lot in your previous roles, and those experiences will contribute to your future successes.”

Focusing on Potential, instead of saying, “You’re not sure what you want to do,” say, “You have a broad range of interests, which gives you the flexibility to explore multiple career paths.” 

Strategies for Trauma-Informed Career Conversations

Several practical strategies can be implemented to promote trauma-informed career conversations:

• Normalise the impact by acknowledging that trauma can affect career development. Phrases like "Many people who've experienced trauma find it can impact their career choices" can normalise client experiences and reduce feelings of shame or isolation.
• Use trauma-informed language and avoid language that may be triggering or victim-blaming. Focus on client strengths and use empowering language. For example, instead of saying "You seem hesitant," say "Would you like to take a break and come back to this later?"
• Promote trigger awareness by being prepared to identify potential triggers within the conversation, such as discussions of power dynamics or workplace conflict. Offer breaks or grounding techniques as needed. This demonstrates sensitivity to client experiences and allows them to manage their emotional state.
• Discuss coping mechanisms and explore how clients currently manage stress or challenging situations. Discuss healthy coping strategies that can be applied in workplace settings. This empowers clients to navigate the workplace with greater confidence.
• Provide clients with information on mental health services or support groups specialising in trauma recovery. Connecting them to resources demonstrates a commitment to client well-being beyond the scope of career development.

Trauma-informed career conversations are essential for supporting clients impacted by trauma in Australia. By integrating these principles and strategies, practitioners can foster a safe and empowering space for clients to explore their career aspirations.

This approach empowers clients to leverage their strengths, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and navigate the complexities of the workplace with greater confidence. Furthermore, ongoing research and training in trauma-informed practices are crucial for career development professionals to effectively support the diverse needs of their clients.