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Trauma-Informed Leadership and Workplace Culture Insights
Tools, language, and implementation guidance for leaders building safer, more accountable workplaces.
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Start With These!
Start here if you are leading culture change, supporting staff well-being, or navigating conflict. These three posts teach the core tools we use in training and implementation.






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9 Phrases That Build Trust at Work (What to Say, Not Just What to Do)
Use these 9 ready-to-say phrases to build trust and psychological safety at work—plus when to use each one and what to avoid so it lands well.

Shenandoah Chefalo
Jan 30, 20244 min read


5 Secrets to Personal Growth No One Tells You
People are always asking me: what do I do to heal my trauma? And people are always disappointed when I tell them the answer. Why? Because...

Shenandoah Chefalo
Jan 23, 20244 min read


Words of Affirmation: 7 Things You Didn't Know You Needed to Hear
Sometimes, we know we need something, but we don’t know what that thing is. You might find it here. In the journey of self-discovery and...

Shenandoah Chefalo
Jan 16, 20243 min read


Trauma Brain Explained: The Neuroscience of Trauma
We often discuss feelings, cultural practices, and relationships in trauma-informed systems change—but don’t let that fool you. Trauma is...

Shenandoah Chefalo
Jan 9, 20245 min read


15 Tools to Stay in Your Executive Functioning
If you’re someone who’s always looking for one more trauma-informed resource to add to your toolkit, you’re in luck. This list of 15...

Shenandoah Chefalo
Dec 19, 202310 min read


7 Subtle Self-Harm Strategies You Might Do
This blog discusses self-harm and suicide, which can be sensitive topics to many readers. Please establish your safety before reading,...

Shenandoah Chefalo
Dec 5, 20237 min read


9 Types of Safety Most People Don’t Know About
Safety is a crucial topic for trauma-informed systems, and understanding how your community defines safety is no small task. If I asked...

Shenandoah Chefalo
Nov 28, 20237 min read


Why is Safety Important in a Trauma Informed Approach?
No matter what model you use, SAMHSA or Sanctuary, safety is a core value of trauma-informed care. Safety is arguably one of the most...

Shenandoah Chefalo
Nov 21, 20235 min read


JADE at Work: How to Spot Defensiveness and De-Escalate Fast
Use JADE (Justify, Argue, Defend, Explain) to spot trauma-driven defensiveness at work and respond skillfully with scripts that reduce escalation and build safety.

Shenandoah Chefalo
Nov 7, 20234 min read


What Are the 12 Executive Functioning Skills?
Trauma disconnects us, making it difficult for us to access the parts of our brain responsible for executive functioning skills. When we...

Shenandoah Chefalo
Oct 31, 20234 min read


The Science of Substance Use: Trauma and Addiction
There is a strong connection between childhood trauma and addiction, which is why preventative trauma-informed interventions are crucial...

Shenandoah Chefalo
Oct 24, 20233 min read


Unraveling Financial Trauma: How Our Past Experiences with Money Affect Our Attitudes & Behaviors
What is financial trauma? Learn common signs, real-life examples, and how money stress shapes beliefs and behavior. Practical reflection prompts and next steps to build safety, reduce shame, and create a healthier relationship with money.

Shenandoah Chefalo
Oct 11, 20237 min read


9 Surprising Facts About Foster Care
These fast facts might change your perspective on the foster care system. Most people in the US don’t have a solid understanding of the...

Shenandoah Chefalo
May 30, 20233 min read


Is Your Job Harming Your Mental Health?
We need to work to live, but is work negatively impacting our well-being? For most of us, work allows us to meet some of our basic needs:...

Shenandoah Chefalo
Apr 26, 20235 min read


5 Powerful Trauma-Informed Questions to Fuel Self-Exploration
Start here: Want the full set of trauma-informed tools for leaders? Visit our Trauma-Informed Leadership Toolkit for scripts, boundary phrases, regulation tools, and practical next steps. There are tons of trauma-informed tools out there to help you integrate trauma-informed practices into your everyday life, and today we’re going to focus on powerful questions. Trauma-Informed Tools: Powerful Questions & TIC Coaching Powerful questions are a core component of trauma-inform

Shenandoah Chefalo
Apr 18, 20234 min read


9 Emotional Regulation Techniques That Actually Work (Simple, “Silly,” and Effective)
Nine simple emotional regulation techniques that feel a little silly, but work. Practical options you can use in the moment, at work or at home, to reset and respond skillfully.

Shenandoah Chefalo
Apr 12, 20236 min read


What Is Universal Precaution at Work? A Trauma-Informed Definition + Examples
Universal precaution means assuming anyone may be carrying trauma or chronic stress. Learn what it is, what it is not, and how to apply it at work to reduce harm and build safety.

Shenandoah Chefalo
Mar 21, 20233 min read


What is Vicarious Trauma… and Do You Have It?
Also referred to as compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma is a major contributor to chronic stress, especially for those who work with...

Shenandoah Chefalo
Mar 14, 20235 min read


Trauma-Informed Boundaries at Work: 11 Phrases to Say No and Set Expectations
Use these 11 trauma-informed boundary phrases to say no, pause conflict, set work-hour expectations, and protect wellbeing without escalating tension.

Shenandoah Chefalo
Jan 4, 20233 min read


The Trauma Triangle: How Fostering Awareness of Reenactments Builds Resilience
Learn the trauma triangle and how workplace reenactments show up in teams under chronic stress. Identify the common roles, spot early signs, and use practical interruption strategies that protect trust and accountability.

Shenandoah Chefalo
Dec 21, 20229 min read
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