Creating Healing Spaces: Insights from Shared Wellness Leaders
In a world where challenges often stem from past trauma, the power of healing environments cannot be overstated. Recently, I reviewed an insightful article written by our President, Chris Martin, and our Psychologist and CEO, John Thvedt. Their piece, featured in the ODP Positive Approaches Journal, encapsulates the transformative potential of trauma-informed care and positive supports within a wellness framework.
Chris, with her 38 years of experience in program design and self-determination initiatives, and John, a licensed psychologist with over 40 years of advocacy for deinstitutionalization, bring unmatched expertise to this discussion. Their combined efforts reflect Shared Wellness's core mission: creating spaces where individuals feel safe, valued, and empowered. As I read, I truly came to appreciate how they brought decades of leadership and innovation together into a clear, practical approach to supporting individuals with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and trauma histories.
Creating Healing Spaces: The Intersection of Trauma-Informed Care and Positive Supports
One key element Chris and John emphasize is the profound impact of physical environments on emotional well-being—a concept relatable to many of us. Most people can think of spaces that trigger discomfort, like a dentist’s office or an airplane. For individuals who are nonverbal or struggle to communicate, these experiences can be far more vivid and challenging to navigate without the understanding and support of others.
Drawing from the insights of Temple Grandin, a renowned advocate for autism, Chris and John illustrate how environments can either comfort or trigger individuals with autism and IDD. Disruptive behaviors, they explain, are often visceral responses to spaces that fail to feel safe. Their work underscores the importance of addressing environmental triggers through mindful design—using soothing colors, calming sounds, and predictable routines to create environments conducive to healing.
This philosophy resonates deeply with the principles of Polyvagal Theory, which highlights the relationship between safety, stress reduction, and physiological healing. Chris and John’s article outlines eight core principles of wellness-oriented trauma-informed care, offering actionable strategies to foster resilience and recovery:
Safety and Trustworthiness: Building secure, transparent environments for individuals and their support networks.
Self-Care and Self-Regulation: Empowering individuals with tools for emotional balance and well-being.
Empowerment: Valuing lived experiences and fostering autonomy.
Collaboration: Strengthening community connections to combat isolation and promote recovery.
Whole-Person Wellness: Addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of health.
Mindfulness: Cultivating presence and acceptance through purposeful activities.
Peer Support: Encouraging mutual aid and solidarity.
Addressing Historical Trauma: Recognizing and honoring the diverse cultural and historical experiences that shape individuals’ lives.
Transformative Strategies in Practice
Chris and John also provide vivid examples of these principles in action at Shared Wellness. From meditation rooms to sound baths, the spaces they’ve designed serve as havens of calm. They also spotlight innovative programs that integrate mindfulness practices like yoga, art therapy, and sound healing, empowering individuals to manage stress and build resilience.
They describe how a typical day at Shared Wellness might include guided mindfulness meditation, group activities to foster social skills, and one-on-one coaching sessions tailored to individual needs. These offerings, combined with community advocacy projects, promote a sense of purpose and connection that extends beyond the individual to their families, caregivers, and communities.
Empowering Supporters Through Self-Care
Chris and John’s focus on trauma-informed care doesn’t stop with those in their programs; it also extends to the caregivers and practitioners who support them. Recognizing the toll caregiving can take, Shared Wellness prioritizes self-care for its team. Their article highlights initiatives like yoga classes, mindfulness sessions, and restorative spaces designed to help staff sustain their vital work with compassion and resilience.
Looking Ahead: Building Resilient Communities
Reflecting back on the article, I was inspired by their vision for the future of trauma-informed care. They paint a compelling picture of communities built on collaboration, mindfulness, and whole-person support—places where individuals can thrive alongside their support networks. Their work provides a roadmap for integrating wellness practices and a shared vision for creating healing environments that acknowledge the interplay between environment, psychology, and culture.
Learn More
To delve deeper into the transformative approach by Chris Martin and John Thvedt, I encourage you to read the full article in the ODP Positive Approaches Journal.
