National Director, Behavioral Headache Medicine VHA HCoE VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven, Connecticut, United States
Trauma, both past and present, shapes how patients experience pain, access care, and engage with treatment recommendations. Yet, many headache providers feel unsure how to integrate trauma-informed principles into clinical practice. In this session, we will break down what Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) really looks like in busy healthcare settings. Through clinical scenarios, reflection, and practical tools, attendees will leave with actionable strategies to build safer, more collaborative environments for patients with headache disorders.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the foundational principles of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) and how trauma can impact health behaviors and treatment engagement in patients with headache disorders.
Recognize common clinical challenges that may indicate a trauma history and apply practical TIC strategies to improve patient communication and trust.
Identify actionable ways to implement TIC principles in routine clinical care through language, screening, and patient empowerment.
