In trauma-informed care, which principle emphasizes giving clients control over decisions?

• A. Safety
• B. Trustworthiness
• C. Empowerment and choice
• D. Peer support

Answer: (C)

The principle that emphasizes giving clients control over decisions is empowerment and choice. This focuses on preserving and restoring a sense of agency, which trauma often erodes. In practice, it means inviting clients to participate actively in planning their care, presenting options, asking about preferences, and letting them set goals and decide the pace and methods of treatment. When people feel they have a say in their recovery, they’re more engaged, experience less re-traumatization, and build confidence in their own abilities.

Other principles support a safe, trustworthy environment and peer connections, but they aren’t centered on giving clients decision-making power. Safety is about creating secure surroundings; trustworthiness is about consistent, transparent behavior; peer support offers connection with others who have lived experience. Empowerment and choice specifically target the client’s control over their path to recovery.