Event - Online workshop: Understanding trauma and working in a trauma-informed way

On 12 July 2025, Dr Mariam Bhaila, our newly appointed Associate, delivered an online workshop titled Understanding Trauma and Working in a Trauma-Informed Way on behalf of Careif, in collaboration with Fountain House, Lahore. She was supported by Professor Rachel Tribe.

The session was attended by mental health professionals from Fountain House, including Professor Dr Afzal Javed, Chairman of Pakistan Psychiatric Research Centre, Fountain House, Lahore, and Trustee of Careif.

The workshop aimed to deepen understanding of what trauma is, its impact, and how we can work in a trauma-informed way. Drawing on research evidence and clinical experience, the session explored the meaning of trauma, the relevance of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and other adversities across the lifespan, and the key principles of trauma-informed practice.

The workshop created a space for critical reflection, shared dialogue, and practice-based learning. It invited participants to think about how adopting a trauma-informed lens can change the way we understand distress, how we connect with those we support, and how we build trust, safety, and shared pathways to recovery.

The feedback from participants was positive:

“This was a truly wonderful experience, we are confident this will make us even more professional.”

“Such a wonderful experience, learning new things in a simple way.”

“Such an important topic in Pakistan, I anticipate this will be a really useful resource.”

See our accompanying blog post for more information regarding the importance of trauma-informed care.