The document outlines the Five Directions Approach for trauma stewardship and maintaining well-being while helping clients through trauma and recovery. The five directions are: North (reflection on why you do this work), East (choosing where to focus your attention), South (building a supportive community), West (finding a balance between work and self-care), and Centering Yourself (practicing gratitude and positive thinking). Tips are provided under each direction to help implement practices like mindfulness, reframing challenges, setting boundaries, and designating days of rest.

1. Trauma
Stewardship
=
Good Work

2. The Five
Direction
Approach
Trauma
Stewardship(Lips
ky & Burke)
• The Five Directions Approach
offers a process through which
we can create and maintain
our well-being as we help
clients navigate through
trauma and recovery

3. NORTH
creating space for inquiry
WHAY AM I DOING WHAT I AM DOING: IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE CLEAR EACH
DAY ABOUT THE REASONS OR
DRIVING FORCE THAT KEEPS YOU
CONTINUING THIS WORK
LEARNING MINDFUL REFLECTION AS
A PART OF DAILY ROUTINE

4. TIPS
before starting your work day stop, breathe , remind
yourself why I am doing this work. Remind yourself
that you are making a choice to do this work.
Breathe
regularly consult with your supervisor regarding "why
I am doing this work"
Consult
Keep a journal in self care toolbox reminding yourself
what the work is about for you & what it is not about.
Keep

5. EAST
choosing our focus
ASK YOURSELF ,"WHERE
AM I PUTTING MY FOCUS?"
EXPAND YOURSELF BY
CREATING A PLAN B

6. TIPS
• 1) Think of a challenging work situation.
Write down 3 things that make it
challenging. Write down 3 things that you
appreciate about the chllenge and ask
yourself, " Where am I most likely to focus
and why
• 2) For one day commit to listening to the
commentary in your mind. Do you view the
glass as ½ empty or ½ full ? Can you
reframe the scenario?
• 3) Look in the mirror. Notice the first 3 things
that come to mind . Would you classify
them as positive, loving and kind? If not try
again

7. South
Building
Community
&
Compassio
n
• No matter the name it is crucial to gather
a group of people to support you – a
microculture.
• For some it is family for others a group of
friends. Your microculture should
support you in 2 ways
• 1) encouragement
• 2) accountability

8. TIPS
• 1) Ask yourself what did your ancestors r
those who raised you have done
throughout time ,to heal themselves and
others throughout time to heal
themselves and others?
• 2) Identify your microculture; to what
degree do they nurture hopefulness,
accountability and integrity?
• 3) Take time to connect with your
environment outside.
• & inside.

9. WEST
Finding
Balance
• For many of us we are committed to the
repair of the world especially in helping
our clients heal. It can be a desperate
struggle to find a balance between
ourselves and our work. We become
absorbed in the daily struggle and lose
sight of our surroundings,

10. TIPS
Set Set boundaries in order to give yourself
time off.
Write
down
Write down all of your sick leave,
vacation time, mental health days. Start
planning ahead
Identify
Identify one thing you would love to
incorporate into your work day but are
certain you could not...then do it!

11. The Fifth
Direction
Centering
yourself
• Practice an attitude of
gratitude. Reframe negative cognitions
to positive.

12. TIPS
• 1) When our day begins, close your eyes
and ask "what are my intentions for
today"
• 2) At the end of the day tell yourself "I did
my best today; work will be there
tomorrow. Use your commute to
transition.
• 3) Designate a day of rest. This means
no work calls, emails etc. Unplug atleast
once a week.