Every human being is different; part of that difference is how they are biologically constructed, and part of that difference revolves around where they are from and how they are raised. Luckily, with modern advancements in how we see people and therapy, an understanding of how trauma affects human cognition has never been clearer. Enter trauma-informed therapies, a method of interacting with individuals with a fundamental understanding that they have been through traumatic experiences. Trauma-informed therapies are becoming more and more prevalent, particularly for teens and young adults.

This guide explains what trauma-informed therapies are, why they matter now more than ever, and how districts can integrate them in ways that support both staff and students.

What are trauma-informed therapies?

Trauma-informed therapies are approaches rooted in the idea that a person’s thoughts, reactions, and behaviors often reflect past experiences rather than personal failings. These therapies focus on helping people feel safe, understood, and in control as they work through stress signals their bodies may still be carrying. Instead of pushing someone to “move on,” trauma-informed care pays attention to how the nervous system responds to reminders of past events and teaches grounding, reflection, and coping skills so healing can happen at a steady, supported pace.

A brief timeline of trauma-informed therapies in U.S. schools

Where did trauma-informed therapy come from? It was seeded in the 1990s and grew over time, helped by cutting-edge research in the field. Below is a timeline of trauma-informed therapy and its role in education.

How trauma-informed therapies work in schools

Trauma-informed therapies are usually associated with more clinical types of settings, like a doctor's or therapist's office. With education, they can take quite a unique form; swap the therapist's office for a classroom. The same concept applies, though, you want to understand the root causes and emotional triggers that cause undesirable behavior.

At their core, trauma-informed therapies in schools rest on five principles:

Types of trauma-informed therapies adapted for schools

Schools are never going to deliver full clinical therapy, nor should they. Instead, they borrow concepts and teaching from trauma-informed therapies and mold them to the education realm. These strategies can be implemented by counselors, social workers, classroom teachers, and, with training, even paraprofessionals.

Below is an example of some trauma-informed practices in schools that have their roots in trauma-informed therapies.

Example of trauma-informed therapies in schools and results

Trauma-informed practices look different from school to school, but the research tells a consistent story: when students feel emotionally safer, academic and behavioral outcomes shift in measurable ways. Below are three evidence-based examples pulled from real studies across the U.S., rewritten in a student-centered, accessible way.

Case Example 1: Reduction in classroom referrals (Tennessee, elementary school)

A mixed-methods study in a rural Tennessee elementary school examined how trauma-informed training changed student behavior and staff experiences. After full-staff training and implementation of trauma-responsive strategies, both the number of office referrals and the number of students being referred significantly decreased.

Outcomes after one year:

*Effect size d = 0.45 = moderate, meaningful improvement.
Source: Cain, J. (2023). Rural Tennessee trauma-informed school study. ERIC: ED649498.

Case Example 2: Academic and motivation gains (Oklahoma, middle & high school)

A doctoral study in Oklahoma measured the impact of trauma-informed school practices on academic outcomes. The results showed measurable gains in both student grades and learning motivation.

Outcomes after implementation:

*Statistically significant when controlling for demographic factors.
Source: Flasch, P. (2022). Trauma-informed instruction impact on GPA & achievement. ERIC: ED634507.

Even though the research base for trauma-informed practices is still growing, several studies provide measurable, number-based insights into how these approaches influence student behavior, academics, and emotional readiness. The chart below translates those findings, allowing school leaders to visualize trends in a simple, accessible way. These numbers don’t represent every school’s experience, but they offer a grounded snapshot of what can change when emotional safety becomes part of the learning environment.

How schools can integrate trauma-informed therapies responsibly

Integrating trauma-informed therapies isn’t about purchasing a single curriculum or sending staff to a one-day workshop. It’s a gradual cultural shift, one that strengthens as staff learn, students trust, and routines stabilize. When done intentionally, these practices create a school environment where emotional safety and academic growth reinforce each other.

How ThriveNest connects to trauma-informed therapies

Thrivenest is a financial literacy app that embraces trauma-informed therapies and trauma-informed education. It's a financial sidekick for teens and young adults that they can access from any device. But how exactly does Thrivenest work in building good financial habits for teens and young adults?  It helps by:

Building emotional regulation in real moments

ThriveNest guides students through short grounding tools they can use when stress spikes, helping them settle instead of reacting automatically. For example, a teen who usually shuts down after a tense math class can open ThriveNest during the passing period, use a calming prompt, and walk into their next class feeling free as a bird and ready to learn.

Helping students see the link between emotions and choices

ThriveNest makes it easier for teens to notice how feelings shape their routines and small decisions throughout the day. For example, a student who buys candy every time they feel anxious can spot that pattern inside the app, try a grounding exercise first, and then decide whether they still want the candy.

Offering steady support outside the classroom

Many teens lose access to emotional support as soon as they leave campus, so ThriveNest becomes a quiet companion during evenings, weekends, and the transitional period that can be stressful. For example, a student who normally spirals on Sunday nights can check in with ThriveNest, reflect on what’s worrying them, and use a calming prompt to ease the tension before bed.

Giving educators a clearer view without prying

Staff receive broad, trauma-aware trends rather than personal details, which helps them respond early and with care. For example, if ninth-graders show higher stress signals during the same week, counselors can reach out proactively instead of waiting for behavior issues to appear.

FAQ

How are trauma-informed therapies different from traditional counseling?

Traditional counseling focuses on diagnosing or treating specific mental health concerns, often in structured sessions. Trauma-informed therapies emphasize emotional safety, relationship-building, and coping strategies embedded into everyday routines.

Do teachers need clinical training to use trauma-informed approaches?

No. Teachers do not need to become therapists of any sort; they just need to understand how to implement the philosophy. They need tools and predictable frameworks that help them recognize and respond to emotional triggers. Clinical staff handle therapy; teachers handle support, consistency, and relationship-building, areas where they already excel.

Are trauma-informed therapies only for students who have experienced severe trauma?

Not at all. These approaches benefit all students. Many teens face chronic stress, instability, or environmental pressures that impact learning. Trauma-informed practices help create classrooms where every student feels safe enough to engage, take risks, and grow academically.

Are trauma-informed strategies expensive to implement?

Schools can start with low-cost shifts, restorative language, predictable routines, and student voice opportunities before investing in programs or training. Many states and federal grants (including Title I and ESSA funds) support trauma-informed initiatives, making it accessible for districts of all sizes.

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