Understanding the why: The integration of trauma-informed care into speech and language therapy practice

Abstract

This article aims to highlight the need to integrate Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) into the practice of Speech and Language Therapy. TIC is a strength-based framework underpinned by an understanding and responsiveness to the widespread pervasiveness and impact of trauma. The literature on TIC within the field of Speech and Language Therapy is in its infancy but is progressing. In this context, there is an absence of clear guidelines for TIC in the field to support providers and administers to understand the relevance, underlying theory, and application to practice. In this paper we outline the theoretical underpinnings and application to practice. We argue that the profession requires an ongoing commitment to continuous research to corroborate communication-specific best practices of TIC to support clinicians in translating those findings into practice to best support clients.