knowledge of trauma-informed approaches is an essential component of social work practice. Such knowledge enables a deeper understanding of service users and supports a guided, sensitive approach that avoids retraumatization. A trauma-informed approach also emphasizes the protection of social workers themselves by highlighting the risk of secondary traumatization, which is a common side effect in helping professions. The aim of this thesis was to explore, through qualitative research conducted with social workers providing psychosocial support, their knowledge of trauma, developmental trauma, trauma-informed practice, and secondary traumatization. The focus was not limited to the use of professional terminology; rather, the intention was to identify the practical knowledge that social workers already apply in their everyday work, even when they may not explicitly recognize it. The primary objective of the study was therefore to identify existing knowledge within practice and to determine the areas in which social workers would benefit from additional support or further education.
The findings of the thesis show that social workers already have a solid foundation of knowledge related to trauma-informed practice. Nevertheless, significant gaps were evident in their understanding of trauma, developmental trauma, and specific elements of the trauma-informed practice. Secondary traumatization emerged as the most important area for further education, as this was where the most substantial knowledge gaps were identified. The social workers also articulated a clear need for ongoing professional development in these areas. Additionally, they pointed to limited access to training and continuing education, largely due to financial constraints within their organizations, which can hinder their ability to maintain and advance trauma-informed practice.
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