Trauma-Informed care, or TIC, promotes a culture of safety, empowerment and healing. Over the past 18 months, leaders at the UF Health Shands Psychiatric Hospital and the UF department of psychiatry have been researching resources and offering training and education to the hospital and clinic faculty, residents, fellows, and staff.
In the TIC Spotlight we will recognize individuals and the changes they have implemented as a result of these trainings. Mariam Rahmani, MD is an Assistant Professor in the UF Health Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic she has made some adjustments to her office to comply with these teachings.
The TIC training teaches participants the mnemonic HALT (hungry, angry, lonely, tired) to remind you why a person might not be cooperative in communicating. If she sees a child is irritable or upset, she will ask if they are hungry and offer them a snack, a cup of tea, or water.
Dr. Rahmani has worked to incorporated children’s books and dolls that are more inclusive of different backgrounds. She has added soothing lights and a diffuser to make her office more calming.
Those patients with autism, ADHD, and sensory sensitivities have enjoyed playing with the therapy dough she has added to her office.
She has found ways to incorporate the TIC practices into other areas of the clinic. Take for example this sign in the employee break room. A simple re-wording of the sign for a more friendly call to action.
Thank you Dr. Rahmani for incorporating TIC practices into your clinic!