There are many things to keep in mind when thinking about the environment at your organization or clinic. Certain aspects of the physical environment can make a difference in a person’s comfort and capacity to connect.

A trauma-informed environment should be welcoming and friendly. Physical and aesthetic comfort should also be key considerations. The following elements of a room can make all the difference:

• Lighting - think about how well-lit the parking lot is. What about around the exits to the building? Are the areas around the bathrooms well-lit and comfortable? Bright lighting in common areas or rooms can make an environment feel sterile and less comfortable. Try using desk lamps and floor lamps in addition to overhead lighting. This will give staff and others in the building an opportunity to adjust the lighting as needed.

• Security - Note what security measures you have in place. Locked doors, cameras, and safety personnel can make some people feel safe and others uncomfortable at the same time. Be mindful of how security processes and systems are perceived by staff and clients.

• Accessibility - Think about how accessible the building is to individuals with physical disabilities and transportation difficulties. Are your bathrooms configured in ways that make it easy for anyone to use?

• Private Spaces - Make sure there are spaces in your building that can ensure confidentiality for sensitive conversations. You can try separate rooms, screens, dividers, white-noise makers, and creating spaces between seating options in waiting areas.

• Decoration - Think about the color of the walls in your building, as well as the presence of any plants, reading materials, artwork, or photos. Using culturally-relevant and appropriate materials can complete a space for those that might speak a different language, have children, or need to wait for a long time.

• Signage - Review all your signs and posted memos/flyers for the use of positive language. The words you use should depict what is expected in the environment, rather than what is not allowed. For example, “No Smoking” signs can be adapted to “Smoke-Free Environment” signs. All signage should be clear, accurate, and read by those in the building.

Helpful Ideas and Examples

Safer Spaces for Children

According to the World Health Organization, a large barrier in obtaining support for children is that children are often reluctant to share about their traumatic experiences. This can be because of feelings of helplessness, fear of repercussion, fear of not being believed, or even fear of getting someone in trouble (particularly if they are known to the child). Further, if a child discloses trauma and is not believed or supported adequately, this can lead to increased distress for the child.

When working with children and their families, there are some best practices that can ensure that the space is both physically and emotionally trauma-informed.

• Use the words "tell me a story" when talking to a child in crisis. This can help calm the child and empower them to talk about their feelings from a place slightly removed from the event.

• Listen and do not ask leading questions. This can distort the child’s story and make them uncomfortable or feel interrogated.

• When modifying signage around your building, try to use pictures to communicate expectations and directions. Place signs at a comfortable height for both children and adults to see.

• Take what children share with you seriously and do not dismiss them (regarding all matters). This will set a precedent for children to know that you are someone who listens to them.

• Schedule and conduct regular trauma-informed environment walk-throughs with staff and clients. Ensure all individuals have an opportunity to give feedback regarding their experiences in the building. Implement changes identified by staff and clients when it is feasible to do so.

• Bring in elements of nature when possible - plants, natural sunlight, raindrops, curves, shelves that look like trees, etc.

• Spaces with clear sightlines and minimal barriers can create a sense of safety and calmness.

• Create intentional spaces for children to play.