What Trauma Really Looks Like at Work
Reflections on PTSD Awareness Training
By Farah Benis
Thanks to the generosity of PTSD Resolution, ASIS UK Chapter members were offered a number of places on their Trauma Awareness Training for Employers (TATE) course. I attended alongside fellow board member Anushka Goppechund and several of our members. The training was led by the brilliant Rosalind Townsend, whose delivery was both informed and deeply human.
The training was a powerful reminder that PTSD doesn’t always look like what people expect - and it’s not just about extreme events or military experiences. Trauma can stem from cumulative stress, grief, abuse, childbirth, surgery, or even the pressures of demanding workplaces. It often creeps in slowly, and when left unrecognised, it can have a real impact on how people show up - not just at work, but in life.
One of the key takeaways for me was learning how core emotional needs - like security, control, connection, and meaning - are deeply affected by trauma. When these needs go unmet, people can begin to display what we sometimes label as “problem behaviours”: withdrawal, irritability, perfectionism, burnout, or emotional shutdown. But these aren’t character flaws - they’re survival strategies.
In our breakout discussions, participants opened up about how trauma can manifest physically and emotionally. People shared experiences of sleep disruption, vivid dreams, and loss of confidence after significant life events. Others spoke about how pregnancy, childbirth, and surgery had deeply disrupted their sense of identity and emotional stability. These conversations made it even clearer that trauma is personal and unique - no two people experience it the same way.
The session was also a powerful reminder that being trauma-informed isn’t about walking on eggshells - it’s about being aware. It’s about recognising that someone’s performance or mood might be telling you something important about what they’re dealing with. Creating psychologically safe spaces isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s essential.
And honestly, it’s easy for all of us to get wrapped up in our own headspace, in the frustration, tiredness, or stress of daily life, and forget that everyone is carrying something. Whether we can see it or not, people are navigating invisible battles, and sometimes the smallest bit of understanding or patience can make a huge difference. It’s a good reminder to always lead - and live - with kindness.
If you lead teams, manage people, or just want to build a more compassionate, resilient workplace, I can’t recommend this training enough. It offers practical tools and a better understanding of how to spot the signs of trauma and respond in a way that helps, not harms.
As someone who’s always thinking about how I can show up better for my team, this training gave me fresh perspective and a renewed commitment to lead with empathy. Being a good leader isn’t just about meeting deadlines or hitting targets - it’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, safe, and supported.
Anushka Gopeechund, ASIS UK Board Director had this to say:
“The TATE (Trauma Awareness Training for Employers) session was both insightful and practical, enhancing my ability to recognise signs of trauma in the workplace. Rosalind delivered an excellent presentation, equipping us with the tools to respond with empathy and support, fostering a more compassionate environment.”
If this resonated with you, PTSD Resolution’s Trauma Awareness Training is available both online and in person - and I’d highly recommend it to anyone who works with people (so… basically, most of us).
