General
What can you talk about in counseling?
Anything you'd like! This includes any good or not so good feelings.
What is trauma?
Trauma is any scary or upsetting event that we have experienced.
What is a coping skill?
Coping skills are activities that we do to help us deal with our upset feelings.
Why do people usually come to counseling?
People can come to counseling for a lot of different reasons, including having someone to talk to about problems, feelings, and what they have been through.
What are examples of trauma?
Car accidents, natural disasters like tornadoes, physical abuse, and sexual abuse are all types of trauma that kids can experience.
Are there different kids of coping skills?
Yes! Coping skills can be healthy or unhealthy. There are a variety of activities you can participate in that are healthy coping skills!
What is a counselor's job?
A counselor's job is to help people, including you, with their feelings. These feelings can be good feelings or not so good feelings.
Examples include: avoiding things that remind you of the trauma (trauma triggers), experiencing big emotions (fear, anger, sadness), feeling jumpy, and not wanting to be away from our parents or safe adults.
Give an example of a healthy and an unhealthy coping skill.
Possible healthy examples: deep breathing, meditation, exercise, reading a book that makes you happy, talking to a trusted adult or friend
Possible unhealthy examples: getting into fights with people, not talking about your feelings with trusted adults or friends
What happens in counseling?
Counseling is a place where you can get help with your problems and learn ways to feel better.
How many people experience trauma in their lives?
Almost half of all kids have experienced some kind of trauma. But don't worry, there are lots of ways that kids can cope with trauma!
Give an example of a healthy coping skill that you use.
Possible examples are deep breathing, watching a favorite TV show, talking about feelings with a trusted adult, and exercising.