This weekend Homes & Havens had the great honor of designing and installing a trauma-informed space for Henegar Counseling Center’s waiting room and four therapist’s offices. Thanks to the Maclellan Foundation for believing in our work enough to fund this research initiative in conjunction with Richmont University.
Our founder, Kaysie Strickland, shares:
“When I first thought of the concept for “trauma-informed design” five years ago, I assumed there would be an entire field of study around it. However when I went to look it up, there was little to nothing available in the form of study, research, or even concept. I felt the tug to press into this void and see what might be learned from exploring more. I’ve spent hours and hours over the last five years clipping articles, pieces of research studies, pictures, and other scraps of proof I could uncover to prove the idea that environment design (home/office/facility) matters and intentional therapeutic design could even impact someone’s recovery from trauma. I see the proof when people walk into the spaces we design at @homesandhavens and I feel like this information needs to be taken more seriously when we discuss huge issues like trauma, burnout, recovery, and healing.
Almost two years ago the possibility of collaborating with @richmontgraduateuniversity and @henegarcc became a reality and it was honestly a dream I’d had since the beginning. We received a grant to design, furnish, and install four trauma-therapists’ offices (and another gift came through for the waiting room) who would then provide assessments on the impact of the design. This is our first tangible piece of research surrounding trauma-informed design in action, besides the data we collect from our residential projects that have happened for years.
Today we completed the install that has been swirling around in my head for almost a year now. Everything came together beautifully and my heart was filled with joy thinking about the impact this design could have on clients who have bravely decided to engage with deep, inner work and healing. I have always believed that design communicates value — and where better to place value than on those healing from trauma and on the dedicated therapists who stand with us in the dark places and help us find the light.
I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, my small but mighty team, a host of supporters who cheer us on, and a God who’s first act of love was making a place, a beautiful place, for us to call home.”
Waiting Room
OFFICE SPACES
