Trauma-Centered Psychotherapy Techniques

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to techniques used in trauma-centered psychotherapy as discussed in the lecture.

Trauma Schema

Dynamic, relational structures that develop following a traumatic event, aiding in stabilization during triggers.

Avoidant Maneuvers

Strategies clients use to avoid discussing distressing details of their trauma, including stops, jumps, bumps, labels, and bridges.

Stops

Sudden pauses in a narrative indicating distress where a client may become upset or frozen.

Jumps

Smooth shifts in narrative across time points that skip upsetting details, maintaining surface continuity.

Bumps

Slight disturbances in a narrative indicating unexpressed underlying thoughts or emotions.

Labels

Generic names used in narratives to describe actions, avoiding specific distressing details.

Bridges

Distracting commentary or information in narratives that obscures distressing details.

Looking Around

A technique where therapists help clients engage more deeply by asking about their surroundings during an event.

Zooming In

Focusing closely on a specific detail or moment in therapy to elicit deeper memories and emotions.

Slowing Down

A technique where the therapist slows the pace of the conversation to allow for more reflective detail.

Present Tense

A technique where therapists ask questions in present tense to enhance emotional engagement during recollection.

Imaginal Exposure

A therapeutic technique that involves recalling and discussing trauma memories to promote healing.

Hot Spots

Moments in a trauma narrative where the client becomes visibly upset, indicating areas of distress to process.

Cold Spots

Areas of avoidance in trauma narratives where emotions are repressed, requiring attention during therapy.

Therapeutic Techniques

Methods used by trauma therapists to assist clients in processing traumatic experiences and details.

Emotional Engagement

The degree to which a client connects with their memories and feelings during therapy sessions.