Trauma-Informed Definitions
An event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.
The part of the brain responsible for emotional processing/regulation, especially in relation to fear. It is sometimes known as the "alarm system."
What is amygdala?
This principle focuses on creating environments where people feel physically and emotionally secure.
What is safety?
This criminogenic need and behavior is often linked to trauma and is used as an attempt to manage distress associated with the effects of trauma exposure and traumatic stress symptoms.
What is substance use?
This approach recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and seeks to avoid re-traumatization while maintaining accountability.
What is Trauma Informed Care?
The part of the brain that helps us think logically, solve problems, and make decisions.
What is the pre-frontal cortex?
This principle emphasizes being honest, explaining decisions in clear and understandable language and reducing uncertainty.
What is trust and transparency?
The constant exposure to threats, unpredictable environments, and institutional violence forces individuals into a permanent state of high alert.
What is hypervigilance?
This occurs when a situation, smell, sound, or interaction reminds someone of a past traumatic event and causes an emotional/physical reaction.
What is Triggers?
This brain structure helps organize and store memories and is often affected by trauma.
What is the hippocampus?
This principle recognizes that healing and success often comes from listening and working together rather than in isolation.
What is peer support?
The psychological and behavioral state where an incarcerated person becomes so adapted to a strict, controlled environment that they lose the ability to function independently outside of it.
What is institutionalized?
The gradual process of restoring safety, processing painful memories, and calming the central nervous system.
What is healing?
This hormone is released during stress and helps prepare the body for action.
What is cortisol?
This principle encourages working together to develop a plan which creates a sense of control and autonomy for the individual while reducing the power dynamic?
What is collaboration and mutuality?
Providing clear expectations, explaining decisions and avoiding surprises demonstrates this principal.
What is trust and transparency?
Reliving stress reactions experienced as a result of a traumatic event when faced with a new, similar incident.
What is re-traumatization?
A very fast, intense emotional reaction that is disproportionate to the situation, and bypasses your rational thinking brain, triggering an impulsive response.
What is amygdala hijacking?
This principle focuses on increasing a person's voice, choice, strengths and confidence, allowing them to advocate for themselves.
What is empowerment?
The psychological and behavioral state where an incarcerated person becomes so adapted to a strict, controlled environment that they lose the ability to function independently outside of it.
What is institutionalized?