Trauma-Informed Practice in NDIS Support Work

Not all trauma is visible — but it can deeply impact the way a person thinks, feels, and experiences the world.

That’s why at Loving Life, we use a trauma-informed approach across all of our disability support work. Whether we’re running a group session or supporting someone 1:1, we aim to create an environment that is safe, respectful, and empowering — every step of the way.

Here’s what trauma-informed practice actually looks like in the NDIS space — and why it matters.

🧠 What Is Trauma-Informed Practice?

Trauma-informed practice means we:

• Recognise the widespread impact of trauma

• Understand how it might show up in behaviour, communication, or regulation

• Respond in ways that prioritise safety, trust, and choice

• Avoid re-triggering or re-traumatising participants

• Support healing by building connection, predictability, and empowerment

This doesn’t mean we need to know a participant’s trauma history — it means we assume that anyone might have one, and act with care accordingly.

🛑 Why Is This So Important in Disability Support?

Many NDIS participants have experienced:

• Medical trauma

• Bullying or exclusion

• Institutionalisation

• Abuse or neglect

• Loss of control or autonomy

• Being misunderstood, punished, or ignored for behaviours they couldn’t control

Support environments that ignore this history can unintentionally cause harm — even with the best intentions.

🧡 The 6 Principles of Trauma-Informed Practice (and How We Apply Them)

Principle	What It Means in Practice
1. Safety	Predictable routines, low-sensory spaces, clear boundaries
2. Trustworthiness	Doing what we say we’ll do, being consistent, honest and calm
3. Choice	Letting participants opt in/out, choose activities, or express preferences
4. Collaboration	Working with participants, not on them — respecting their voice
5. Empowerment	Celebrating strengths, offering control, building skills and confidence
6. Cultural Safety	Respecting all identities, neurotypes, backgrounds, and beliefs

These principles shape everything from our staff training to the way we greet participants.

🔄 Examples of Trauma-Informed Support in Action

• A participant is nonverbal and becomes distressed. Instead of forcing engagement, the support worker offers quiet proximity, soft tone, and access to a sensory tool.

• A teen refuses to join the group activity. Instead of punishment or pressure, we validate their discomfort and offer an alternative — then slowly reintroduce choice.

• A participant panics during transport. The support worker gently pulls over, talks them through it using known calming strategies, and checks in again later with warmth and no judgement.

It’s not about getting everything “perfect.”It’s about creating space for felt safety and real connection.

🌱 Healing Happens in Safe Relationships

Trauma-informed care isn’t just a checklist — it’s a mindset. It’s a commitment to:

• Listening more than we talk

• Asking “What happened to you?” instead of “What’s wrong with you?”

• Honouring every participant’s pace, boundaries, and story

At Loving Life, we want every participant to know: You are safe here. You matter. You are in control.

📍 Based on the Gold Coast

📝 Contact us here if you'd like to learn more about how our services support regulation, dignity, and healing through everyday supports.