Defying Gravity: Lessons from Wicked for Trauma-Informed Care

"When we choose to see beyond the surface—to honor the story behind the scars, the strength beneath the struggle, and the soul within the silence—we don’t just heal others. We transform ourselves, defying the gravity of what separates us and rising into the infinite possibilities of connection and care." - Mary Coughlin

When I first saw Wicked, I expected an entertaining story about the Wicked Witch of the West. What I didn’t expect was to walk away reflecting on themes of trauma, resilience, belonging, and the power of connection—ideas that resonate so deeply with my work in Trauma-Informed Developmental Care.

Wicked invites us to look beyond the surface, to see the unseen pain and hidden stories that shape each person’s life. For me, it felt like a mirror, reflecting many of the struggles we encounter in the NICU, as clinicians, as families, and even as humans navigating this complex, beautiful world.

Trauma and Resilience: The Elphabas We Care For

Elphaba, misunderstood and marginalized for being different, reminds me of the babies and families in the NICU who are often defined by their diagnoses, their struggles, or the adversities they face. Like Elphaba, these tiny humans—and their caregivers—carry unseen scars from challenges they didn’t ask for. And like Elphaba, they hold incredible potential for resilience and transformation when supported by safe, nurturing environments.

As clinicians, our role is to create these environments, to be the buffer that shields them from further harm and nurtures their innate ability to heal and grow. Trauma does not have to be destiny—not for the babies, and not for us.

Belonging: A Healing Balm

At its heart, Wicked is about the longing for belonging, a theme that cuts to the core of trauma-informed care. The NICU can be an isolating, overwhelming space for families, and even for clinicians who often feel disconnected from each other and themselves.

Belonging is a fundamental human need, and it begins with how we show up for each other—with presence, authenticity, and compassion. Whether it’s helping a parent feel confident in their ability to care for their fragile newborn, or offering a moment of connection to a colleague during a challenging day, these acts of belonging are what make healing possible. They remind us all that we are not alone.

Equity and Seeing Beyond the Surface

Elphaba’s story also challenges us to examine our own biases—the assumptions we make about others based on what we see, or what we think we know. In the NICU, this might look like being mindful of how cultural, racial, or socioeconomic biases influence the care we provide. It’s about creating equitable environments where every baby and family feels valued, respected, and heard. Trauma-informed care calls us to look deeper, to honor the dignity and humanity of every person in our care, no matter how different their story may seem from our own.

Defying Gravity: Empowerment and Voice

One of the most powerful moments in Wicked is when Elphaba sings “Defying Gravity,” declaring her intention to live authentically, even if it means going against the tide. It’s a moment of empowerment—a reminder that each of us has the power to rise, to claim our voice, and to choose a new narrative.

In trauma-informed care, empowerment is a cornerstone. It’s about giving families the tools and confidence to advocate for their babies. It’s about helping clinicians reconnect with their sense of purpose and wholeness, even in the face of adversity. And it’s about defying the gravity of trauma, knowing that with the right support, healing is always possible.

Reframing the Narrative

Wicked teaches us that there’s always more to the story than meets the eye. Just as it reframes the Wicked Witch’s tale, trauma-informed care invites us to reframe the stories we tell about the babies, families, and even ourselves. It calls us to move from judgment to curiosity, from labels to understanding, and from isolation to connection.

The Final Bow

The magic of Wicked is that it shows us how every story is a story of connection—whether it’s the connection we crave, the connection we lose, or the connection we rediscover along the way. And in that sense, it is not so different from the work we do in the NICU and beyond.

When we create spaces where everyone—babies, families, clinicians—can feel seen, safe, and supported, we are, in a way, defying gravity. We are proving that healing is not just a possibility, but a reality, when we choose to see each other with compassion and care.

So let me ask you: How will you “defy gravity” in your own practice? How can you take what you’ve learned from the story of Wicked and bring it into your care for others—and for yourself?

Let’s reimagine the story of care, together.

With love and gratitude,
Mary

P.S. Your thoughts mean the world to me. How does the idea of defying gravity in care resonate with you? I’d love to hear your reflections!

And if you’re ready to take the next step in transforming lives—yours included—consider joining the movement and becoming a Trauma-Informed Professional (TIP).

Together, we can rewrite the story of care with compassion, connection, and purpose. 💚