Definitions
A traumatic experience ...
1) Threatens the life of physical integrity of a child or of someone important to that child
2) Causes overwhelming sense of terror, helplessness, and horror
3) Produces intense physical effects
Name at least one factor which may influence a child's response to a traumatic event
EX: age, temperament, perception of event, trauma history, availability of adults
What is the part of the brain that is FIRST developed in utero and what does it do?
The brainstem which controls all automatic functioning.
Breathing, heart rate, blinking, etc.
What does the invisible suitcase refer to?
The core and automatic beliefs that a child experiences through learned behavior & day to day life experiences
Describe the cognitive triangle?
the connection between one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
Chronic Trauma
The experience of multiple traumatic events, often over a long period of time
Name at least one way a child may respond to trauma
Changes in psychological arousal and reactivity
Intrusion
Avoidance
Negative thoughts/mood
What part of the brain is the "internal alarm system," and what does it do?
The amygdala;
detects threats and sends out chemicals that help the body respond to threats (fight, flight or freeze)
Compare physical safety vs. psychological safety
physical safety pertains to a child's physical wellbeing such as avoiding and preventing the child from being hurt; refraining from abusing the child physically
psychological safety refers to the idea of the child being able to feel safe, respected, and whose dignity is not being attacked / destroyed
What does "tune in" refer to?
Your ability to connect with your own experiences and the thoughts and feelings that result from that in order to help your child regulate his/her own emotions
Neglect
failure to provide a child's basic needs
What is traumatic play?
When a child replays a traumatic scenario through play, sometimes playing with different outcomes
Name the developmental tasks for a child 0-5 vs. Trauma's impact on this age group
Tasks: Development of visual and auditory perception, recognition of responses to emotional cues, attachment development
Trauma Impact: Sensitive to noise, avoidance of contact, heightened startle response, confusion, fear
What happens when a child's safety is threatened?
1) have issues with trust
2) Have valid real-life concerns about their own safety and the safety of loved ones.
3) hyperaware of potential threats
4) problems controlling their emotions/reactions to triggers
How many praises should a parent give compared to criticisms?
8:1
eight praises to 1 criticism
Trigger
A place, person, thing or event/situation that serves as a reminder and impacts your mind and body
Name three coping skills a child can use to help decrease trauma symptoms.
EX: Talking, drawing, writing, prayer,
What can parents do to help their child overcome trauma and build new pathways?
Offer a secure base of love & protection
Be emotionally and physically available
Recognize & respond to their needs
Provide guidance and example
Seek help when unsure
Name three important "hot spots" where a child may show behaviors out of their character as a result of trauma
1) Food & Meal time
2) Sleep & bedtime
3) Physical boundaries: privacy, personal grooming, medical care
What are at least three of the signs of compassion fatigue?
1) feeling mentally and/or physically tired
2) using substances to self-medicate
3) disturbed/poor sleep
4) Feeling numb and distanced from life
5) moodiness/irritability
6) physical complaints
Resilience
The ability to confront and overcome situations that are overwhelming and challenging - some may threaten the person's life
What are four different types of neglect?
Environmental
Emotional
Physical
Medical
What is the role of the pre-frontal cortex?
The prefrontal cortex plays a crucial role in higher-level cognitive functions like decision-making, planning, working memory, impulse control, emotional regulation, and complex reasoning
What does it mean to be an emotional container?
Be a safe person willing and prepared to tolerate your child's strong emotions and respond calmly but firmly.
Coping when a child's trauma is a reminder for you as a parent
1) Differentiate yourself from your child
2) Be honest with yourself, your child and others important to your child
3) Include fun activities to redirect your thoughts and de-stress