Our Approach

Our Process

At MindSense, we recognize that trauma-informed assessments require more than clinical expertise - they demand empathy, clarity, and care at every stage. Our process is designed to support both survivors and legal professionals with a structured, respectful, and transparent experience from referral to final report.

Expert Matching

Based on survivor abuse profile, language, cultural and accommodation requirements along with assessment timing and location demands.

Pre-Appointment

We clearly explain the assessment process, answer questions, and set expectations with both the lawyer and the survivor.

IME Appointment

We create a respectful, welcoming atmosphere with choice and control for the examinee. Using trauma-informed language, we remain aware of triggers, and adjust pace to meet the survivor’s needs.

IME Report

Our evidence-based reports are clear, balanced, objective, and include trauma-informed language - providing insights into trauma’s impact on functioning while upholding legal standards.

Adopt Cultural Humility

Recognize that trauma is experienced differently across cultures and that historical or intergenerational trauma may shape the survivor’s experience.
Avoid assumptions about coping styles, resilience, or expressions of distress.
Be aware of systemic factors (i.e. racism, discrimination) that may compound the trauma experience.

Provide Choice and Give Control

Offer the examinee choices whenever possible (e.g., where to sit, whether to take breaks, whether to have a support person present).
Allow the examinee to set boundaries regarding certain questions or topics—explain that they can pause or refuse to answer at any time while being transparent that questions are being asked to move the IME process forward.

Reduce Power Dynamics and Set Boundaries

Acknowledge the inherent power imbalance between the examiner and the examinee.
Use non-threatening body language, avoid standing over the examinee, and be mindful of your tone.
Be transparent about your role (e.g., “I am here to provide an independent assessment, not to treat or advocate for you, but I will do my best to make this process as respectful as possible.”).

Understand That Language Has Impact

Use language that is non-judgmental and avoids blame or minimizing.
Avoid clinical jargon or labels that might feel stigmatizing.

Focus on Mitigating Re-Traumatization

Prepare the examinee for potentially sensitive questions and ask permission before moving into difficult topics.
Be aware of non-verbal cues of distress (e.g., shallow breathing, gaze aversion, hyperarousal, dissociation, emotional numbing) and offer breaks as needed.
Avoid overly detailed or graphic questioning that is not directly relevant to the assessment.

How Trauma-Informed Assessments Differ From Traditional IMEs

Traditional IMEs

Focused solely on clinical objectivity and diagnosis

Often rigid and one-size-fits-all

Can feel transactional or adversarial

Risk of re-traumatization through insensitivity

MindSense IMEs

Combine diagnostic accuracy with emotional safety
Flexible and responsive to individual needs and histories
Designed to be collaborative and accommodating
Minimize harm by centering safety and empowerment

Legal Impact

Reliable Medical Evidence
Reports That Hold More Weight
Greater Experts Credibility
Reduced Risk of Legal Challenges
Improved Survivor Engagement

Survivor Impact

Reduces the Risk of Re-Traumatization and Distress
Reduce Power Dynamics and Set Boundaries
Provides Choice and Supports Engagement
Acknowledges the Impact of Trauma on Memory and Functioning
Improves the Accuracy and Recording of Your Story

Contact Us

To learn more about MindSense or refer a case, email info@mindsensepsychiatry.ca or call 1 (833) 995-6565.