The purpose of the guidelines is to assist psychologists who deliver, or train others to deliver, psychological services or who support such delivery, regardless of the setting, in understanding how a trauma history and posttraumatic symptoms can increase the complexity of the clinical presentation, evaluation results, and course of treatment. Because training is often lacking, particularly regarding the effects of complex posttraumatic presentations, guidelines provide practicing psychologists and other professionals with information on trauma and posttraumatic distress that is directly relevant to the assessment (and, therefore, treatment) of traumatized adults.
The use of individual and cultural characteristics as context is central to a trauma-informed assessment process. As trauma is a common human experience, particularly for those with marginalized or oppressed identities, utilizing the psychological trauma Professional Practice Guidelines in conjunction with those focused on specific populations and areas of practice is consistent with culturally responsive practice.
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