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For empowerment, Levenson (2017) states "By reframing trauma responses as normal reactions to threatening encounters, social workers can celebrate survival strategies, channel those instincts into healthier relationship skills, and help clients to achieve a sense of control in one’s daily life." (Levenson, 2017, p. 109).

Levenson (2017) states that Social workers to highlight on resilience, often they focus on fixing many problematic behavior, but never realized the importance of seeing the client's strengths. (Levenson, 2017).

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choices for clients create them to "gain a new sense of control in the service delivery environment " this will also help "promote and reinforce autonomy and self-determination", which can transform a client from a powerless, overwhelmed victim to a survivor that is able to make decisions for themselves and see outcomes

(levenson, 2017, p.105-113)

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Building trust through honesty, reliability and clear communication which is crucial for fostering a positive relationship between clients

Examples could be through reflective stance

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I would show trust by ensuring I build rapport with the client. Getting to know them, letting them know you are hear to listen. Ensuring they are aware they are involved in the process and have the right to making choices for themselves as well. (Levenson, 2017)

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The client may feel empowered when you provide them with encouragement that they are doing a good job

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By reframing trauma responses as normal reactions to threatening encounters, social workers can celebrate survival strategies, channel those instincts into healthier relationship skills, and help clients to achieve a sense of control in one’s daily life (Levenson, 2017, p. 109).

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We need to make sure that the clients are approacehd with a non- judgmental and open mind as we have to be mindful of their past trauamatic events (Levenson,2017).

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Empowerment focuses on helping clients develop skills, make choices, and feel valued (Levenson, 2017)

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When a speech pathologist, social worker and teacher for example come together for a meeting to discuss the client and how they can all support them

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Levenson provides the social work principles which intertwine, aiming to create a safe, coherent, calm, professional enviornemnt.

Safety: Facilitating safety in the physical environment and in relationships

Trust: foundational for establishing a healthy relationship

Choice: Empowers clients to progress at their own pace

Collaboration: shared power between worker and client so the relationship offers true alliance in healing

Empowerment: occurs with a strength based approach that reframes resilience.

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Collaboration involves working together with clients to identify options and make decisions (Levenson, 2017)

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warm and welcoming surroundings -creating a sense of serenity for clients

physical safety - protection from hazards or dangers

security precautions - preventing threats from individuals both within and outside the office

respectful language, boundaries and use or power

safe relationships are consistent, predictable and non shaming

(Levenson, 2017. p. 108)

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Asking questions such as “what happened to you” or “what is happening for you” instead of asking “ what’s wrong with you”

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Choice refers to allowing clients to make informed decisions and explore alternatives (Levenson, 2017)

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Trust e.g. When someone feels they can share their thoughts and feelings with you.

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For instance safety can involve good lighting, disability accommodations, and maintenance of the property can reduce the risk of physical injury (Levenson, 2017, p. 108)

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Safety involves creating physically and psychologically safe environments for clients (Levenson, 2017).

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Recognizing the likely existence of trauma in the clients life (Levenson, 2017, p.g. 107). Being predictable, consistent and non shaming creates a safe environment (Elliot et al., 2005 as cited by Levenson, 2017, p.g. 108).

For example: Using a calm and friendly voice when a client walks in and making them feel welcome.

Using a general opening question like " How did you find travelling here today ? " instead of directly starting to interrogate them with questions like " What's wrong with you?"

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"Good lighting, disability accommodations and maintenance of the property can reduce the risk of physical injury" (Levensons, 2017, pg108)

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Facilitated through reframing symptoms as an ability to adapt and survive. Creating a belief in one's capacity to accomplish and overcome.

(Levenson, 2017, p. 109)

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Ensuring physical and emotional safety for individuals by creating environments where they feel safe and supported

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Trust is earned over time by being genuine, setting clear expectations, and demonstrating reliability (Levenson, 2017)

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A sense of security and consistency that is predictable and non-shaming. Simple yet impactful actions can foster feelings of safety in a client. During practice a worker can create a warm and welcoming environment with something as small as a smile. Good lighting, disability accomodation and respectful language can make a client feel secure. (Levenson, 2017, p.g. 108).

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"embolden client decision making and a sense of control over

one’s recovery"

giving clients options in how they proceed with care; this include choice in practitioners

giving clients voice in these choices; this includes listening to choices without judgement or shaming- both verbally and through body language

e.g., asking client how they prefer to practise reading words; games like snap, flash cards, word list

This supports client empowerment and feeling they have a sense of control in their lives and how they react and respond to stimuli that would have previously affected them negatively.

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Trauma-informed programming is based on a shared power dynamic between worker and client, fostering a genuine alliance in the healing process

Workers must consider each client’s cultural background and personal history to effectively tailor interventions.

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On page 109, Levenson highlights the importance of the need to work with clients and help 'assess their readiness for change', which empowers them to make choices and take control of their own lives. It is a priority for workers to not 'shame' responses that could be perceived as 'punitive' or 'resistive' as that could instead hinder the progress of positive change, and ultimately would take away the choice of the client of how they choose to take charge of their life.