The Psychology
of Poverty
The Psychology of Poverty Training is a 4-hour in-person seminar facilitated by Tammy T. Thompson. Attendees will engage in deep discussions, analyze real-world case studies, and reflect on their own biases, based on Tammy’s expertise in poverty trauma, to develop trauma-informed, empathetic strategies that create systemic change for economically distressed communities.
Who is this Training For?
This training is designed for institutions, organizations, service providers, and individuals who seek to better understand the mindset that poverty fosters and how to implement more effective, compassionate support strategies.
What to Expect:
Phase 1: Understanding the Psychology of Poverty
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Tammy shares her personal journey and how poverty shaped her mindset, choices, and opportunities.
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A deep dive into real-life case studies, illustrating how systemic barriers, trauma, and financial instability impact decision-making.
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Example: A 25-year-old single mother of five, with no college education or financial safety net, navigating a system that feels more punitive than supportive.
Phase 2: Challenging Perceptions & Biases
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Group discussion: How do we perceive poverty?
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Is poverty just about poor financial choices? Is it systemic? Generational? Psychological?
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Unpacking common assumptions and biases about individuals living in poverty.
Phase 3: Building Trauma-Informed Support Strategies
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Understanding what individuals in poverty truly need beyond financial assistance.
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How institutions can implement Actionable steps for trauma-informed care, community engagement, and systemic change.
Why This Training Matters
By the end of this seminar, attendees will:
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Recognize how poverty shapes decision-making through a scarcity mindset.
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Identify ways in which existing systems unintentionally reinforce economic trauma.
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Learn how to apply trauma-informed care and develop more effective, empathetic approaches to support economically distressed individuals.
Trauma-Informed Organizational Development
Consulting
Traditional poverty solutions often focus on financial education and resource distribution but overlook the psychological and emotional impact of economic hardship. Trauma-Informed Organizational Development Consulting, led by Tammy T. Thompson, helps institutions, organizations, and service providers integrate trauma-informed, empathy-driven approaches to effectively support individuals from economically distressed backgrounds.
Tammy’s work is rooted in the Psychology of Poverty, recognizing that scarcity, trauma, and systemic barriers shape financial decision-making and long-term economic mobility. By reframing how organizations approach support and engagement, this consulting service helps build trust-based, effective programs that lead to lasting change.
How We Help:
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Trauma-Informed Organizational Training – Educating leadership and staff on how financial trauma affects behavior and the importance of shifting from punitive to supportive frameworks.
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Program & Policy Design Consulting – Evaluating existing programs to eliminate systemic barriers and implement trauma-responsive practices.
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Leadership Coaching & Cultural Competency Development – Helping decision-makers understand the lived experience of generational poverty to foster more equitable policies.
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Community Engagement Strategies – Teaching organizations how to build trust with economically distressed communities, ensuring meaningful participation and co-creation of solutions.
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Customized Workshops & Speaking Engagements – Tammy provides interactive workshops tailored to different sectors, focusing on economic justice, self-efficacy, and the role of institutions in breaking cycles of poverty.
Who We Work With:
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Nonprofit Organizations – Strengthening programs that serve low-income communities by ensuring trauma-informed, trust-building approaches.
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Government Agencies & Policymakers – Helping leaders design systems and policies that eliminate punitive measures and increase accessibility.
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Educational Institutions – Training educators and administrators to support students and families facing financial hardship.
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Corporate & Workforce Development Programs – Teaching employers how to foster economic empowerment for workers from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Why Choose Trauma-Informed Organizational Development Consulting?
With decades of experience advocating for economic justice, Tammy T. Thompson has worked on the ground with individuals affected by poverty and the institutions that serve them. Her approach is not just theoretical—it is rooted in real-life experience, lived expertise, and measurable success.
Tammy provides both onsite and virtual training for non-profit leaders, social service providers, and for groups of clients being serviced by organizations and institutions.
Book a Consultation Today!
Let’s work together to transform how your organization serves and supports economically distressed individuals.
30 min
Complimentary