Trauma Informed Therapy

Question 1

What is trauma?

Answer 1

Any distressing or life threatening event that leaves lasting emotional impacts, including:
-Pervasive lack of safety or other unmet need
-Witnessing or learning of a deeply distressing event occurring to another person

Question 2

What are some of the physical effects of trauma? (6)

Answer 2

-Unexplained chronic pain
-Stress related conditions (ex. chronic fatigue)
-Headaches
-Sleep problems
-Breathing problems
-Digestive problems

Question 3

What are some emotional/cognitive effects of trauma? (10)

Answer 3

-Depression
-Anxiety
-Anger
-Obsessive and compulsive behaviours
-Dissociation
-Difficulty concentrating
-Numbness/flat affect
-Difficulties with memory and time
-Suicidal thoughts
-Recurring distressing memories

Question 4

What are some spiritual effects of trauma? (4)

Answer 4

-Loss of meaning/faith
-Loss of connection to self, loved ones, community, higher power
-Shame, guilt, self-blame, and self-hatred
-Feeling different or separate from others

Question 5

What are some interpersonal effects of trauma? (4)

Answer 5

-Frequent conflict
-Difficulty establishing and maintaining relationships
-Revictimization
-Difficulty setting boundaries

Question 6

What are some behavioural effects of trauma?

Answer 6

-Substance use
-Loss of enjoyment
-Avoiding certain places, people, or situations
-Shoplifting
-Disordered eating
-Self harm
-High risk sexual behaviours
-Gambling
-Isolation
-Legal issues

Question 7

What are some behavioural concerns associated with ACEs? (4)

Answer 7

-Lack of physical activity
-Smoking
-Substance misuse
-Missing work

Question 8

What are some health concerns associated with ACEs? (8)

Answer 8

-Severe obesity
-Diabetes
-Depression and suicide
-STIs
-Heart disease and stroke
-Cancer
-COPD
-Broken bones

Question 9

What are the 5 foundational principles of trauma-informed practice?

Answer 9

1. Safety
2. Trust
3. Choice
4. Collaboration
5. Empowerment

Question 10

What characteristics align trauma-informed practice with social work?

Answer 10

-A focus on the client and relationship rather than specific interventions
-Avoiding personal pathology in the framing of problems
-Consideration for intersectionality and experiences of oppression

Question 11

What 2 theories/fields of research are are trauma-informed care influenced by?

Answer 11

1. Adverse Childhood Experiences
2. Attachment theory