Trauma Basics
What is the definition of trauma-informed care?
Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma, understands potential recovery paths, and integrates trauma knowledge into policies and practices.
Name one sign that a student might be experiencing trauma.
Withdrawal, aggression, difficulty concentrating, or unexplained physical symptoms.
What is the principle of "safety" in trauma-informed care?
Creating an environment where students feel physically and emotionally safe, and their boundaries are respected.
What type of adversity might have a longer-lasting impact: parental divorce or chronic poverty?
Chronic poverty, as it often involves long-term stress and instability, affecting a child's development more deeply than a one-time event like parental divorce.
Why is self-care important when working in trauma-informed environments such as schools, hospitals, clinics?
Self-care helps prevent burnout and secondary trauma, allowing staff to continue providing support to students in a healthy and sustainable way.
What are the type of trauma that can affect children.
Physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, or witnessing domestic violence.
How can trauma affect a child’s ability to focus in class?
Trauma can create hyperarousal or dissociation, making it hard for the child to concentrate or stay present.
How does "collaboration and mutuality" play a role in trauma-informed care?
Collaboration and mutuality emphasize shared decision-making, ensuring that both the individual and support system work together to heal and support.
If a student starts acting out in class after a stressful family situation, what trauma-informed approach might help?
Creating a safe space for the student to express feelings, offering understanding and patience, and providing support or resources for their family.
Name one way to practice mindfulness to reduce the impact of secondary trauma.
Practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or grounding exercises can help staff stay present and manage stress effectively.
What’s the difference between direct and secondary trauma?
Direct trauma is experienced firsthand, while secondary trauma is the emotional distress from helping or hearing about someone else’s trauma.
What is hypervigilance, and how might it show up in students?
Hypervigilance is an extreme alertness to potential danger. In students, it can appear as being easily startled, excessively anxious, or distrustful.
Why is "trustworthiness" a key component in trauma-informed schools?
Trustworthiness builds a foundation for students to feel secure and know that their needs will be met consistently and respectfully.
How might you support a student who shows signs of trauma but is reluctant to talk about it?
Offer support to talk with a mental health professional or trusted adult.
How can peer support be beneficial for staff in a trauma-informed school?
Peer support provides emotional validation, reduces isolation, and encourages shared coping strategies among staff members dealing with the effects of secondary trauma.
How can trauma impact a child's brain development?
Trauma can alter brain structure and function, affecting memory, emotional regulation, and stress response systems.
How does trauma sometimes impact physical health in children?
Trauma can lead to chronic health issues like headaches, stomach problems, sleep disturbances, or even long-term conditions like asthma or heart disease.
How can "empowerment, voice, and choice" support trauma recovery?
Giving students a sense of control over their environment and decisions helps restore their autonomy and supports healing from trauma.
How can schools implement trauma-informed policies to support students and families?
Schools can integrate trauma-informed practices into their discipline policies, staff training, and support services, ensuring a holistic approach to student well-being.
How can you create a safe space for students to talk about trauma when they’re ready?
By providing a non-judgmental, private space, building trust over time, and offering consistent, compassionate support when the student is ready to open up.
How does the duration of adversity influence a child’s development?
Longer exposure to adversity increases the risk of long-term developmental issues, especially when combined with the type of adversity.
What’s the significance of a "critical period" in development when it comes to trauma?
Critical periods refer to windows of time during a child’s development when they are especially sensitive to environmental influences, including trauma. Exposure to adversity during these periods can have long-lasting effects.
How might early exposure to trauma biologically impact a child’s stress response?
Early trauma can disrupt the development of the brain’s stress response systems, leading to heightened stress sensitivity and difficulties with emotional regulation.
What can you do if you notice a staff member struggling with secondary trauma?
Encourage self-care, offer peer support, provide professional development, and create a supportive environment for staff to process their feelings.
What is the speaker's name? :)
Sharon!