13.2: Trauma-Informed and Healing-Centered Group Practices - Classroom Activity

“Safety to Belong: A Quick Design Challenge”

Purpose:
Help students apply trauma awareness, psychological safety, and healing-centered engagement concepts to real-world settings.

Time: 5 minutes

Activity Steps

1. Scenario Reflection (1 minute)
Present this scenario:

"A student or employee regularly withdraws from group discussions, misses deadlines, or appears disengaged. Others interpret the behavior as a lack of motivation or commitment."

Ask students:
“What are three possible reasons behind this behavior if we view it through a trauma-aware lens?”

2. Reframe the Response (2 minutes)
In pairs or small groups, students answer:

• What assumptions might people make about this person?
• How could a psychologically safe environment respond differently?
• What is one healing-centered strategy that could support this person?

3. Share & Connect (2 minutes)
Invite groups to share one idea. Capture responses under three headings:

Trauma Awareness → Understand the behavior
Psychological Safety → Create trust and belonging
Healing-Centered Engagement → Support strengths and agency

Closing Reflection Question:
"How might our response change when we move from asking 'What is wrong with this person?' to 'What support or conditions might help this person thrive?'"

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