4: Recognition

Recognition is the first stage in the Regenerative Process and is defined as “the action of recognizing”; in this context, it is the act of recognizing human experiences (Merriam Webster, n.d.d, n.d.e). The word recognition is not casually used here. Recognition is a purposeful act based on trauma research where the experiences of survivors of trauma are acknowledged (Bryant-Davis, 2007). The use of recognition in this sense is the acknowledgment of a common human condition as a response to the current events, the Trifecta+, and future crises, disruptions, or significant change experiences. Research on effective organizational response to trauma and a trauma-informed approach (TIA) supports recognition as a key step in responding to people affected by trauma (Substance Abuse & Mental Health, 2023). It is important to note this stage is not a “debriefing” of the trauma which can result in re-traumatizing people; rather, it is a designated time and specific space for social support.