Trauma Informed Practice Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is Individual Trauma?
Physically/emotionally harmful events with lasting impact.
Individual trauma can have significant effects on a person’s mental health and overall well-being.
What does Interpersonal Trauma include?
Abuse, neglect, and violence.
Interpersonal trauma often occurs in relationships and can severely affect trust and attachment.
What is Collective Trauma?
Rooted in racism, colonisation, systemic injustice.
Collective trauma impacts communities and societies, often leading to long-term social and psychological effects.
What is the difference between Trauma-Focused and Trauma-Informed approaches?
Trauma-Focused: Directly treats trauma (e.g., EMDR, CBT, therapy).
Trauma-Informed: A mindset/principle-based approach recognizing trauma’s presence and effects.
Trauma-informed care is essential in various fields, including healthcare and education.
Why is understanding trauma important even for non-therapists?
Trauma is often hidden, unspoken, or unrecognised. All interactions can heal or harm—every interaction is an intervention.
Recognizing trauma can improve communication and care in all professional settings.
What is the rationale for a universal approach to trauma?
Trauma is common, and systems can re-traumatise. Focus on creating trauma-reducing environments built on trust, safety, and respect.
Historical injustices have eroded trust, particularly in healthcare settings.
What are the Five Rs of Trauma-Informed Care?
- Realize – the widespread impact of trauma
- Recognize – trauma signs in individuals and systems
- Respond – integrate TIP in practice and policies
- Resist Re-traumatization – avoid causing further harm
- Replenish – restore balance via connection, cultural practice, and healing
These principles guide the practice of trauma-informed care.
What are the core principles of Trauma-Informed Practice?
- Safety (physical, psychological, emotional)
- Trustworthiness & Transparency
- Peer Support
- Collaboration & Mutuality
- Empowerment, Voice, and Choice
- Cultural, Historical, and Gender Considerations
These principles shape supportive and culturally safe spaces.
What does a welcoming space in trauma-informed practice look like?
Physical environment, tone, body language, inclusion.
Creating an inviting atmosphere is crucial for effective trauma-informed care.
What are some positive interactions in trauma-informed practice?
Respectful greetings, careful language, accessible systems.
Positive interactions can help build trust and foster a supportive environment.
What is the role of leadership in trauma-informed practice?
Empathy, visibility, and inclusion in decision-making.
Leadership plays a key part in fostering a trauma-informed culture.
What does ‘boundaries and honesty’ mean in trauma-informed practice?
Not about being ‘nice’ all the time—requires transparency, accountability, and sometimes saying ‘no’ kindly.
Establishing clear boundaries is essential for safety and trust.
What are coping questions in trauma-informed care?
Questions that elicit resilience, such as ‘What’s helped you manage so far?’ and ‘Who’s supported you?’
These questions encourage reflection on strengths and support systems.
What is Double Listening in Narrative Therapy?
Hearing both the problem story (struggle, trauma) and the alternative story (strength, values, hope).
This technique validates identity and invites reflection on positive aspects.
What are risks of invalidation in trauma-informed care?
Comments like ‘It’s not that bad’ or ‘You should be grateful’ can harm and deter future engagement.
Minimizing experiences fosters shame and distrust.
What are microaggressions?
Subtle, often unintentional slights or insults based on identity (race, gender, ability, etc.).
Microaggressions reflect internalized societal biases and can be harmful.
What are the types of microaggressions according to Sue et al. (2007)?
- Microassaults – intentional discrimination (e.g., slurs)
- Microinsults – backhanded remarks (e.g., ‘You’re so articulate’)
- Microinvalidations – dismiss lived experience (e.g., ‘I don’t see race’)
Understanding these types can help in addressing and reducing their impact.
What are the mental health effects of microaggressions?
Stress, depression, PTSD, substance use.
Microaggressions can lead to significant psychological distress over time.
What are the physical health effects of microaggressions?
Chronic stress, immune dysfunction.
The impact of microaggressions extends beyond mental health to physical well-being.
Why are microaggressions difficult to define?
Context-dependent: Same comment/action can be safe or harmful depending on delivery, tone, power dynamic, and setting.
Understanding the context is crucial for identifying microaggressions.
What is the relationship between intent and impact in microaggressions?
Intent ≠ Impact: Even ‘positive’ intentions can reinforce exclusion or stereotype.
Recognizing this distinction is important for effective communication and understanding.
