Trauma-Responsive Care in Behavioral Health and SUD Settings

Participants will explore how trauma influences behavior, communication, and engagement in treatment, while learning practical strategies for creating safe, supportive, and healing-centered environments. The training emphasizes the use of trauma-responsive language, relationship-building techniques, and environmental modifications that enhance trust, collaboration, and client outcomes. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to integrate trauma-responsive practices into their daily work and support more effective, person-centered care.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, you will:

• Define the principles and goals of trauma-informed and trauma-responsive care in behavioral health and SUD settings
• Identify key language shifts and environmental practices that support trauma-responsive engagement with clients
• Describe how trauma impacts client behavior, communication, and engagement in treatment

Performance Objectives

You will demonstrate your ability to:

• Incorporate trauma-responsive language and communication strategies in client interactions to foster safety and trust
• Implement modifications in treatment environments that support a trauma-responsive approach
• Integrate trauma-responsive practices in daily work and reflect on impact during supervision

Speakers:

Tony Mills

Tony Mills, CADC, MHP is the Clinical Supervisor for Alpharus Health’s outpatient office in Peoria, IL. With 26+ years of experience working in both substance use and mental health treatment environments at various levels of care in addition to working in various training and leadership positions, he has provided training related to substance use and mental health services and clinical interventions for healthcare and human service providers, educators, civic organizations, and students. Tony’s deep understanding of clinical interventions in both group therapy and individual counseling sessions for substance use disorders as well as various mental health difficulties, combined with his passion for advocating for access to care for everyone puts him in a unique position to offer insights to other professionals and the community at large. His energetic and engaging approach reflects his passion for advocating for individuals experiencing substance use disorders and / or mental health difficulties and their families, making him a valuable resource to the communities he serves.

Magdalena Zakrzewska

Magdalena Zakrzewska, CADC, is a Primary Counselor at Alpharus Health, where she has served residential treatment patients since 2020 and became a Training Ambassador in 2024 after completing the T3 program. With more than 15 years of experience in addiction treatment, behavioral health, and community outreach, she has worked in outpatient, residential, homeless services, and private practice settings.

Magda began her career with the Polish American Association in Chicago, providing counseling, case management, and health education services. She later co-founded Swiatelko.com, a recovery-focused community hub offering free support, education, and resources for individuals and families affected by addiction and related challenges. She also spent several years serving the Polish homeless community through the Lighthouse Project in partnership with Haymarket Center and worked as a bilingual HUD assessor during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originally from Poland, Magda studied art and theater before immigrating to the United States. She brings creativity, cultural sensitivity, and a strong commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care to her work with individuals and families in recovery.