Trauma And Nervous System
What does ANS stand for?
What is the autonomic nervous system?
What is one physical activity that combines slow, intentional movements with breathing?
What is Tai Chi?
What is the term for when two or more people help one another regulate their emotional and physiological states?
What is co-regulation?
What is another name for generational trauma?
What is intergenerational or transgenerational trauma?
What is radical acceptance?
What is fully accepting reality as it is, even when it is painful or uncomfortable?
What system in the body is responsible for automatic functions and responses?
What is the autonomic nervous system?
What relaxation technique involves tightening and releasing different muscle groups throughout the body?
What is progressive muscle relaxation?
What is it called when someone feels disconnected from themselves or their surroundings as a response to overwhelming stress?
What is dissociation?
What is the first stage of the cycle of abuse?
What is the tension stage?
True or False: Radical acceptance means agreeing with or approving of everything that happens to you.
What is false? Acceptance does not mean approval or agreement.
Why might someone experience a racing heart, muscle tension, or difficulty thinking clearly when reminded of a traumatic experience?
What is the body's physiological response to a perceived threat or stressor?
What breathing technique involves inhaling, holding, exhaling, and holding again for equal counts?
What is box breathing?
Name two examples of co-regulation exercises.
What are synchronized breathing, shared mindfulness, quiet companionship, physical connection, and creative projects?
Name two ways trauma can be passed down through families.
What are learned behaviors, direct communication, family stories, nonverbal cues, and environmental influences?
Name two signs that someone may be experiencing a trauma trigger.
What are physical sensations, defensive behaviors, repetitive thoughts, emotional outbursts, dissociation, and difficulty concentrating?
Why might two people respond differently to the exact same stressful situation?
What is because everyone has different experiences, histories, and nervous system responses?
Name three mind-body techniques that can help someone manage stress and physical tension.
What are yoga, Tai Chi, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and stretching?
Someone is driving a familiar route and arrives at their destination without remembering much of the drive. What everyday experience does this demonstrate?
What is dissociation or becoming so absorbed in an activity that awareness of surroundings decreases?
What are the four stages of the cycle of abuse?
What are tension, incident, reconciliation, and calm?
What is the difference between resisting reality and accepting reality?
Resisting reality involves fighting, denying, or wishing away what has happened. Accepting reality involves acknowledging the situation as it exists so you can decide how to respond.
Someone enters a crowded grocery store and suddenly experiences a racing heart, sweating, and an urge to leave. They are not in immediate danger but feel overwhelmed. What does this demonstrate about trauma?
What is that trauma can influence how the nervous system interprets and responds to situations, even when there is no immediate threat?
Someone notices their body becoming tense, their thoughts racing, and their emotions escalating. Identify two mind-body techniques they could use and explain how they might help.
Examples include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, and Tai Chi. These techniques encourage body awareness, reduce physical tension, and promote relaxation.
Someone is experiencing distress. A trusted friend remains calm, validates their emotions, and offers a supportive presence without pressuring them to talk. What concept does this demonstrate, and why is it helpful?
What is co-regulation? A supportive presence can help someone feel safe, understood, and emotionally regulated.
Someone recognizes that anger, emotional avoidance, and unhealthy coping skills have been common patterns in their family for generations. They begin processing these experiences, learning emotional regulation skills, and responding differently in their own relationships. What process are they demonstrating?
What is cycle breaking?
Someone experiences an unexpected breakup. They spend weeks replaying conversations, wishing things had happened differently, and struggling to accept the relationship has ended. Identify three ways they could practice radical acceptance.
Acknowledge that the relationship has ended, recognize they cannot change the past, allow themselves to experience their emotions, and focus on what they can control moving forward.