Neurobiology
Trauma Types
Therapy
Mindfulness & Traumawork
Art-Therapy & Trauma
100

What are the three brain regions involved in trauma?

  • amygdala (emotion regulation),
  • hippocampus (memory processing),
  • prefrontal cortex (executive function and decision-making)
100

Name  4 main categories of trauma

  • acute trauma (single incidents),
  • chronic trauma (repeated exposure),
  • complex trauma (multiple traumatic events, often interpersonal)
  • developmental trauma (occurring during critical developmental periods)
100

Is it correct to say that trauma-informed intervention and trauma therapy are the same thing?

No. They differ in their goals and approaches. Trauma-informed intervention is a broader approach to providing support, whereas trauma therapy consists of specific therapeutic techniques focused on trauma recovery.

100

Name some ways of how Mindfulness Supports Trauma Therapy

  • Emotional regulation
  • Present moment awareness
  • Body awareness
100

Can Art Therapy help in processing traumatic memories?

Yes. Art Therapy provides a way to express feelings and experiences that might be difficult to articulate with words and can help process and integrate traumatic memories in a safe and controlled manner.

200

How can chronic trauma impair neuroplasticity in the brain?

It can impair neuroplasticity by limiting the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize, potentially leading to cognitive and emotional difficulties.

200

How does vicarious trauma impact caregivers and professionals in trauma-related fields?

Vicarious trauma can lead to symptoms similar to PTSD in those who are indirectly exposed to trauma, affecting their emotional well-being, work performance, and personal relationships.

200

Is it correct to say that trauma-informed intervention and trauma-focused intervention are the same thing?

No. Trauma-informed intervention is about creating supportive, trauma-aware environments, while trauma-focused intervention actively engages in the therapeutic processing of trauma, are more specific and structured, involving trained mental health professionals working one-on-one with clients to process trauma.

200

Does trauma-informed mindfulness practice differ from ordinary mindfulness practice?

Yes. Trauma-informed mindfulness practice considers the impact of trauma on individuals and includes methods to avoid re-traumatization, creating a safe space for those who have experienced trauma.

200

Is Art Therapy effective for individuals with limited verbal skills?

Yes, Art Therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals who may struggle to express themselves verbally, allowing for communication through visual means.

300

What are the differences between acute and chronic trauma on the brain structure and function?

Acute trauma may lead to temporary changes, while chronic trauma can cause structural changes, such as reduced hippocampal volume and increased amygdala activity.

300

Name at least 3 emotional/psychological responces of man-made trauma, different from natural disaster trauma

  • man-made traumas tend to result in more complex PTSD symptoms than natural disasters
  • deeply damage trust in others and perception of people as dangerous or hostile
  • hypervigilance, fearing that others could harm them intentionally
  • guilt or self-blame
  • intense anger or feelings of betrayal
  • feelings of shame are common, especially in cases of violence or assault
  • a “moral injury,” where individuals feel disillusioned with humanity, struggling to reconcile the intentional harm with their worldview. This can lead to a long-lasting impact on one's sense of meaning, purpose, and worldview.
300

What are the core principles of a trauma-informed approach?

The core principles include safety, trustworthiness, peer support, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity.

300

Name 3 main risk of Mindfulness in Trauma Work

Re-traumatization: focusing on the breath or bodily sensations can trigger traumatic memories or feelings

Overwhelming: intense emotions or memories might surface, leading to distress or anxiety

Dissociation: some individuals might feel disconnected from their bodies or surroundings during mindfulness practices

300

Name 3 risks of using Art Therapy with trauma survivors

  • riggering trauma responce (intense emotions, bodily sensations, memories, leading to anxiety, panic and dissotiation)
  • re-traumatization,
  • misinterpretation of art and incorrect conclusions
  • overemphasis on artistic skill by client and bad engagement in the therapeutic process
  • boundaries and ethics (therapist too involved)
  • lack of standardized protocols
400

What impact does trauma have on memory formation and retrieval?

Trauma can disrupt the encoding and retrieval of memories, often leading to fragmented or intrusive memories, as well as difficulties in recalling details.

400

How do experiences of sexual trauma differ from other types of trauma?

Sexual trauma often involves violation of personal autonomy and can lead to unique challenges, including feelings of extreme shame, guilt, and difficulties with trust and intimacy.

400

What is is a fundamental element in trauma-focused therapy, playing a crucial role in the healing process for individuals who have experienced trauma?

SAFETY. By creating a secure, supportive environment, therapists enable clients to confront their trauma without fear, fostering healing and resilience.

400

Who may struggle with mindfulness practices and need other approaches?

  • individuals with severe PTSD,
  • individuals with dissociative disorders,
  • those who have not yet developed coping skills
400

What is trauma-informed Art therapy?

It is a specialized approach that combines traditional art therapy practices with principles of trauma-informed care. It focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals who have experienced trauma, allowing them to express themselves creatively while addressing the emotional and psychological impacts of their trauma

500

How does early childhood trauma alter brain development and functioning?

It can lead to altered brain architecture, affecting emotional regulation, cognitive function, and increasing the risk for mental health disorders later in life.

500

What impact does childhood trauma have on adult relationships?

Childhood trauma can lead to difficulties in forming secure attachments, trust issues, and challenges in managing emotions, often resulting in dysfunctional adult relationships (also in therapeutic relationship).

500

How do trauma-informed and trauma-focused approaches complement each other?

Together, they create a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing trauma; the trauma-informed approach provides a safe context, while the trauma-focused approach offers specific interventions to process and heal from trauma.

500

Name 3 exercise to approach with caution

  • Breath-Focused Meditation: directing attention to the breath can sometimes trigger panic or anxiety in trauma survivors
  • Body Scans: focusing on bodily sensations might bring up traumatic memories or feelings of dissociation
  • Stillness Practices: extended periods of stillness can be overwhelming and may lead to distress
500

Can art therapy be used with all types of trauma?

Yes, BUT while it can be effective for many types of trauma, the key is that it should be implemented by trained art therapists who understand the unique needs and responses of trauma survivors