Types of Trauma
What is the definition of trauma?
It is an emotional response to a terrible event that overwhelms a person's ability to cope, and can lead to long-lasting effects.
What is the definition of a flashback?
True or False: Experiencing trauma can create a lack of control, safety.
True
Answers may vary.
Ex. Physical, Emotional, Financial, Institutional, Neglect, Sexual
Name 2 examples to calm yourself (aside from napping/sleeping) when you are feeling intense emotions.
Answers may vary.
Name 1 example that would be considered a traumatic grief/loss event?
Answers may vary.
Examples: Losing a loved one to a natural disaster, unexpected medical complications, war, drug overdose, miscarriage, etc.
How does trauma affect someone's ability to set boundaries?
Trauma can influences how we view others and the world. Healthy boundary-setting with self and others is important for healing.
False. Avoidance of any traumatic reminder (person, place, conversation, activities) is common.
What is the definition of the word trigger?
Answers may vary.
Ex. A person, place, sound, smell, situation that creates a strong emotional or psychological reaction.
What is the definition of mindfulness?
Paying attention to the present moment, without judging or trying to change it.
Which one is NOT a trauma type? Acute, Chronic, Complex, Rejection Trauma.
Rejection is not one. There are 6 common types - developmental, vicarious, traumatic grief, acute, chronic, complex.
Name 2 examples that trauma can impact how somebody views themselves.
Answers may vary.
Examples: Trauma can change the way we view our body image, self-esteem, concentration abilities, completing responsibilities (hygiene, school, work, relationships), etc.
True or False: Our bodies know we've experienced trauma even if we avoid or don't remember the details.
True. The body keeps the score.
What is 1 example of a grounding skill? Grounding skills help people stay connected with the "here and now."
Answers may vary.
Ex. Body Scan, 5-4-3-2-1, Engaging 5 Senses, Breathing, Yoga, Visualization
What does CBT stand for?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT helps identify and challenge unhealthy thinking patterns.
What is the difference between Big "T" Trauma and Little "T" Trauma?
Big "T" trauma refers to life-threatening events (ex. abuse, natural disasters, serious accidents, witnessing violence, war).
Little "T" trauma refers to everyday stressors but it may not be life-threatening (ex. divorce, job loss, bullying, financial difficulties, non-life-threatening injuries).
Both types of trauma are serious, create significant distress, and should never be ignored.
Myth or Fact: Trauma is only experienced if you are directly involved by an event. Explain your answer.
True or False: If you experience trauma, you automatically have PTSD.
False. Not everyone who experiences trauma is diagnosed with PTSD. The outcome depends on many factors - type of trauma, personal history, protective factors, coping skills, symptom presentation (frequency, severity, duration).
What are the 4 main types of survivor styles?
Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn. These 4 are survivor styles our bodies may use to live our everyday lives. Untreated trauma can lead to people getting stuck in "survivor mode," even when we do not need to be.
DBT is helpful in coping. What does DBT stand for?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
What is the difference between acute and chronic trauma?
Acute Trauma: refers to a single, distressing event
Chronic Trauma: refers to prolonged, repeated exposure to distressing events
List 5 examples of trauma responses/symptoms.
Answers vary.
Ex. Avoidance, Flashbacks, Nightmares, Difficulty Sleeping, "Jumpiness", Using Alcohol/Drugs to suppress uncomfortable thoughts/emotions, Impulsive Behaviors
True or False: There is only 1 type of dissociation.
False. There are multiple (Kaitlin will teach you in future).
What does DBT's ACCEPTS stand for?
Activities, Contributing, Comparisons, Emotions, Pushing Away, Thoughts, Sensations.
What are the 4 pillars of DBT?
Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation, Interpersonal Effectiveness.