Skill: Being Able to Perform Trauma Informed Care in Therapy by Alexis

Skill: Being Able to Perform Trauma Informed Care in Therapy by Alexis - April 2026 Scholarship Essay

Currently, I am a graduate student at National University pursuing a degree in Counseling Psychology. As a therapist, I want to focus on the intersection of identity, mental health, and cultural humility. As my goal is to work in settings where I provide care to underserved populations, it is vital that I can provide trauma-informed care, as many of these communities experience high levels of trauma due to systemic issues and a lack of access to trauma treatment. To be able to attain this skill, there are several areas I need to work on as a future therapist, including understanding various historical contexts, practicing empathy, and active listening.

This skill is essential to my goals, as with the high incarceration rates within minority communities, there is also a high prevalence of broken families affecting the youth, resulting in adolescents having negative consequences due to the stress of finances and poor family relations (e.g., substance abuse, aggression, poor academic performance). By focusing on trauma-informed care during my studies at National University, I will be able to develop the skills and expertise necessary to help individuals affected by such complex and multifaceted trauma. My goal as a clinician is to make mental health care more accessible to individuals and increase cultural competence among healthcare professionals by adding to the literature on the intersectionalities of race, socioeconomic status, sexuality, and gender identities. Through understanding the various influences on mental health and how mental health manifests in different populations, clinicians can provide more holistic and culturally sensitive care.