Trauma-Informed Care and Behavioral Health Review

A comprehensive vocabulary set covering trauma responses, adolescent psychology, counseling skills, DBT framework, TBRI principles, and behavioral health assessment.

Trauma

A response to overwhelming stress that affects emotions, behavior, and the brain.

Fight

A survival response characterized by anger and aggression.

Flight

A survival response characterized by avoidance or running away.

Freeze

A survival response characterized by shutting down.

Trigger

Something that reminds someone’s brain of past stress/trauma and causes a strong reaction.

Window of Tolerance

The zone where a person can stay calm, think clearly, and handle emotions.

Hyperarousal

A state outside the window of tolerance characterized by anger and panic.

Hypoarousal

A state outside the window of tolerance characterized by feeling numb or shut down.

Identity Formation

The process of figuring out who one is, which serves as a major goal of adolescence.

Active Listening

Fully focusing on a speaker, not interrupting, and showing that you understand.

Reflection

Repeating back what someone said in your own words to show understanding.

Validation

Letting someone know their feelings make sense; it implies understanding but not necessarily agreement.

Open-Ended Questions

Questions that require more than a yes or no answer.

Professional Boundaries

Limits that keep relationships safe and appropriate, protecting both the provider and the client.

DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)

A therapy used in programs like Project Patch that teaches emotional regulation and coping skills.

Mindfulness

A DBT skill involving being present in the moment without judgment.

Distress Tolerance

A DBT skill for handling intense emotions without making things worse, such as using cold water or deep breathing.

Emotion Regulation

A DBT skill focused on understanding and managing emotions.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

A DBT skill regarding communicating needs and setting boundaries.

STOP Skill

A crisis skill where S = Stop, T = Take a step back, O = Observe, and P = Proceed mindfully.

TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention)

A trauma-informed approach focused on connection, trust, and healing.

Connecting (TBRI Principle)

Building trust through relationships.

Empowering (TBRI Principle)

Meeting physical and emotional needs.

Correcting (TBRI Principle)

Teaching behavior in a calm, respectful way.

ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences)

Stressful or traumatic experiences during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction.

ACE Score

A number ($0-10$) showing how many types of trauma an individual has experienced.

ASIS (Behavioral Health Context)

A way to assess risk, behavior, and safety in clients to keep everyone safe.

Situational Awareness

Being aware of your surroundings, people, and possible risks to prevent escalation.

Crisis

A situation where someone is at risk of harming themselves or others.

Anxiety

Excessive worry, fear, or nervousness.

Depression

Persistent sadness, low energy, and loss of interest.

Trauma Response Behavior

Behavior that originates from past stress rather than just attitude.

Reinforcement

Encouraging a behavior by rewarding it.

Redirection

Guiding someone to a better behavior instead of using punishment.

Self-Awareness

The understanding of one's own emotions and how they affect a situation.