The Business of Healing: How Trauma-Informed Care Revolutionizes Organizational Strategy

Success in today’s business world is often measured in numbers—productivity rates, operating margins, and outcomes. But what if the key to sustainability and growth lies not in traditional metrics, but in how well an organization understands and responds to the well-being of their employees? Trauma-informed care (TIC) has long been applied to clients and patients in treatment settings. However, it is not just a compassionate approach; it’s a strategic focus that transforms workplaces into environments where psychological safety drives innovation, loyalty, and stronger outcomes. This is the business of healing—a new paradigm in organizational strategy.

Trauma-informed care has traditionally focused on understanding the client or patient’s history to develop effective treatment plans. However, through the work of Children & Families First Delaware’s Brain Science Training Institute, we see greater opportunity for impact. We have found that staff also experience adverse events and struggle with their own mental health concerns. This is consistent with the data, with nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults experiencing one or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and one in five living with a mental health concern. Recognizing and addressing the well-being of staff, and building their resilience, supports a stronger workforce. Staff often feel validated and express gratitude when their organization acknowledges the importance of trauma-informed care in their training programs. While staff naturally want their well-being to be valued, from an organizational perspective, having regulated and supported staff leads to fewer mistakes, better project planning and implementation, and a more measured response to workplace stressors.

The traditional model of trauma-informed care views it as a linear journey from being trauma-aware to trauma-sensitive, responsive, and finally trauma-informed. However, our consultations have revealed that organizations don’t fit neatly into these categories. We assess various aspects during our consultation process, such as staff development, wellness, physical environment, policies, and client services. Often, an organization may be responsive in some areas, while only aware or sensitive in others. Conducting a comprehensive assessment helps identify key action points. However, it is clear that everyone—from administrative staff to facilities and finance—needs training. Leadership is crucial to this journey as well, as many TIC initiatives require their approval and implementation. Without leadership’s commitment, the success of TIC efforts will be limited.

“How do I balance compassion with accountability?” is a common and valid concern when discussing trauma-informed care in the workplace. Trauma-informed care is not about leniency; it’s about mutual accountability—holding both staff and leadership responsible for creating a respectful and supportive environment. In a trauma-informed organization, values and principles guide every interaction, not just with clients or consumers, but within the team. Leaders embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth, foster open dialogue, and create space for tough conversations. From the outset, clear boundaries and role expectations are established, ensuring transparency. When performance concerns arise, goals are explored collaboratively, and issues are addressed constructively to promote both individual and organizational growth.

To truly embrace this paradigm, leaders must ask themselves some crucial questions:

• Is your team comfortable taking risks and experimenting, even if it means they might fail?
• Do they feel a sense of connection and camaraderie with one another?
• Are they more inclined to collaborate and support each other, or do they compete for individual success?
• And most importantly, are they encouraged to provide constructive feedback to you and the organization?

These questions are essential for shaping a strategy that ensures staff feel supported and valued as integral parts of the organization.

At the Brain Science Training Institute at Children & Families First, we believe the well-being of staff is the cornerstone of organizational success. Our comprehensive training and consultation services are designed to support organizations in implementing trauma-informed care practices that foster a supportive and innovative workplace. Whether you are in the social service sector or any other industry, a trauma-informed approach can transform your organization into a place where every team member feels values. Contact us today to learn about how the Brain Science Training Institute can support your journey.

CFF is the winner of Social Current’s 2024 Innovative Impact Award. To learn more, read our article and watch their video interview.

About the Authors

Kiera McGillivray, LMFT
Kiera McGillivray is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and serves as the chief program officer for school-based initiatives at Children & Families First Delaware. Kiera is trained in several trauma-focused modalities including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Informed Yoga, Trauma Focused Expressive Arts Therapy, and Child-Centered Play Therapy with a Neurorelational Emphasis. Kiera has been published in internationally peer-reviewed journals on the topics of trauma and child development, and has presented on topics such as trauma, resilience, and ethics to diverse audiences, including military personnel, clinicians, educators, law enforcement, and victim service professionals. She is a graduate of Social Current’s Executive Leadership Institute. Kiera serves as a clinical supervisor and co-director of the Brain Science Training Institute.

Shannon Fisch, LCSW
Shannon Fisch is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Delaware and is the director of operations and risk management for Children & Families First Delaware. She received her post-graduate certification in trauma from Widener University, received her nonprofit management certification from University of Delaware, and graduated from Social Current’s Executive Leadership Institute. Shannon is trained in several evidence-based treatment models, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT). She is an avid volunteer in her profession, previously serving as president, secretary, and treasurer for the National Association of Social Workers – Delaware Chapter. Shannon is also a clinical supervisor and co-director of the Brain Science Training Institute.