Translating judgments
Translating judgments means shifting from a place of assumption to one of curiosity and understanding.
Instead of labelling a behaviour as “difficult” or “resistant,” we ask: What might this person have experienced that makes them respond this way?
This shift aligns with the six core principles of trauma-informed care, ensuring that interactions are rooted in safety, trust, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural awareness.
- Trust – we reclaim a person’s humanity; we see them as human, and they can trust and relax (instead of being guarded)
- Safety – a person can be safe to be who they are because they trust
- Collaboration and mutuality – builds trust that they matter, of being heard and understood, and can show up for collaboration
- Empowerment – moves us back to power and being responsible for our feelings and needs
- Voice – when I share my deeper truth (what I need, what’s important), my voice is more likely to be connecting and impactful and I am more likely to be heard
- Choice – I can advocate better for myself, and my voice is more compelling because I’ve reclaimed my power
- Peer support – removes the obstacles (judgements) and moves us toward collaboration, trust, and safety
- Attention to cultural, historical and gender issues – removing stigma and bias is a powerful part of our liberation work