T R A U M A AW A R E N E S S T I P S F O R F A C I L I T A T O R S

Instead of... ...you might try

Instead of giving advice, you might try asking questions.

Instead of making faster you might try reminding people that slow
and deeper the ideal, and gentle can also be incredibly deep.

Instead of turning all the

you might try dimming them and sitting in a
lights off and walking
place where they know you are.
around the room,

Instead of pulling people you might try asking permission… “would

into hugs, you like to share a hug?”

you might try reminding them they’re free to

Instead of fixed gaze if
open and close their eyes as needed, honoring
you’re doing eye
the messages of their own body - pauses and
gazing exercises,
connecting inward are very welcome.

Instead of pushing past, you might try celebrating and saying THANK
dismissing or questioning YOU when you hear a no. Also it can be
people’s no’s, helpful to consider a “maybe” a no as well.

you might try telling them you’re welcome to

Instead of telling people to
close your eyes, or soften them - whatever
close their eyes,
helps you feel more present.

you might try creating experiences where

Instead of pushing people they can learn through discomfort (positive
past their edge, stress some may say) but not so much they’re
ignoring important signs from their body.

you might try sharing some possible touch

options if they’re in the mood for it. High
Instead of telling people to
five, hand squeeze, hug, hands on their
touch (i.e. hold hands, hug),
own heart. Always let them know
touching is optional.

© 2018 Shelby Leigh LLC | shelby-leigh.com

 T R A U M A AW A R E N E S S T I P S F O R F A C I L I T A T O R S

Instead of... ...you might try

Instead of telling people
you might try saying ‘let be’.
to let go,

Instead of telling people

you might try saying “soften”, or “melt”.
to relax,

you might try saying “I’m here - are you

Instead of offering hands on open to receiving an assist on your back?”
support without asking, (How and what and where, and only if it’s a
crystal clear yes).

Instead of telling people you might try letting them know you’re there
they’re triggered, and you’re listening and it makes sense they
(this is a projection) feel that way.

you might try listening with curiosity and

Instead of telling people validating their feelings and emotions. Leave
you think they might have your “intuition” aside. This is for people to
sexual trauma, discover on their own - the power of suggestion
can be harmful and leading.

you might try inviting them to catch the eyes

Instead of telling people to of others if they’re feeling open to that kind
make eye contact, of thing, or allow their eyes to move around
the room and take in the environment

you might try telling them we’re going to

Instead of telling people to
gather close, if you’d like more breathing
come here and get
room sit towards the edges and if you want
real close,
to get super cozy, come on into the middle.

Instead of giving you might try invitation, and creating options

commands and telling for choice in as many moments as you can.
people what to do, Menus are great. You could try this... or this.

© 2018 Shelby Leigh LLC | shelby-leigh.com