For referrers
How to make a warm, trauma-informed referral
A practical referral pathway that protects choice, reduces unnecessary retelling and makes the first contact clearer.
Why a warm referral can help
A warm referral is more than passing on a phone number. With the person’s consent, the referrer helps create a respectful connection with the new practitioner or intake contact.
This can reduce uncertainty, clarify practical needs and lessen the pressure to repeatedly tell a triggering trauma story. Some people may want to share only what is necessary and begin with present safety, current needs or future goals. That choice should be respected.
A simple warm-referral process
- Ask whether the person wants a referral and what information they agree can be shared
- Confirm preferred name, contact method, accessibility needs and a safe time to make contact
- Share only information relevant to considering fit, scope and practical arrangements
- Offer a three-way phone or video conversation between the person, referrer and Tania or the intake contact
- Include a chosen support person if the person wants this and everyone’s role is clear
- Check that the person understands the next step and still wants to proceed
Keep the person’s voice central
A referrer can help communicate practical information without speaking over the person. During a joint call, ask the person how they would like to participate, whether they want the referrer to summarise anything and what they would prefer not to discuss.
Consent can change. The person can pause, ask questions, choose another service or decide not to proceed. A referral does not guarantee acceptance, funding, availability or a service agreement.
Relevant across all services
This approach can support referrals for counselling, Psychosocial Recovery Coaching, capacity-building support, Employment Therapy, EAP and brokered Redress-related counselling. The information needed will differ, but choice, privacy, clear scope and a proportionate handover remain important.
For Redress-related referrals, Whole Warrior Solutions does not provide eligibility, application or legal advice and does not claim official scheme status. Brokerage authority and service arrangements must be clear before work begins.