Trauma Psychology: Growth, Meaning, Therapy & Change

What is Kintsugi?

Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold; the cracks become part of its beauty.

How does Kintsugi relate to trauma?

Painful experiences can become part of someone's story and growth without being erased.

What is post-traumatic growth?

Positive psychological changes that can occur through struggling with trauma or adversity.

Does everyone experience post-traumatic growth?

No. Growth is not guaranteed, and it does not mean trauma was beneficial.

What is linear change?

Continuous, steady improvement without setbacks.

What is nonlinear change?

Progress that includes setbacks, recovery, and improvement.

What are the four phases of nonlinear change?

Stress, recovery, supercompensation, and floating.

What is circular change?

Change that repeats through cycles, with each phase serving a purpose.

What are the four phases of circular change?

Beginnings, execution, enjoyment, and rest.

What is spiral change?

Revisiting similar challenges while continuing to grow and progress.

What are the three main ways to make meaning?

Ambitious goals and legacy; spiritual calling; emotionally intimate connections.

What is a life meaning statement?

A personal statement describing your purpose, contribution, and desired impact.

What four elements form a life meaning statement?

Action, audience, skills, and desired result.

What does Ikigai mean?

A Japanese concept meaning 'reason for being' or purpose in life.

What are the four main circles of Ikigai?

What you love, are good at, the world needs, and can be paid for.

What is passion in Ikigai?

What you love + what you are good at.

What is mission in Ikigai?

What you love + what the world needs.

What is profession in Ikigai?

What you are good at + what you can be paid for.

What is vocation in Ikigai?

What the world needs + what you can be paid for.

What happens when Ikigai lacks financial reward?

You may feel satisfied and fulfilled but lack financial security.

What happens when Ikigai lacks what the world needs?

You may feel excited and comfortable but uncertain about your contribution.

What happens when Ikigai lacks what you love?

You may be comfortable but experience emptiness.

What happens when Ikigai lacks what you can be paid for?

You may feel satisfied but lack financial support.

What are the seven common story archetypes?

Rags to riches, quest, rebirth, overcoming the monster, comedy, tragedy, voyage and return.

What is Story A?

The character's external, tangible goal: what they want.

What is Story B?

The character's deeper internal or spiritual goal: what they need.

What is a contamination trauma narrative?

A story focused on how trauma damaged a person's life or identity.

What is a redemption trauma narrative?

A story emphasizing meaning, growth, or positive change after adversity.

What are core US values or biases?

Individualism, achievement, productivity, action, self-reliance, competition, and hard work.

What is self-betrayal?

Living according to expectations or 'shoulds' instead of your true values.

What is authenticity?

Being true to your values, identity, and feelings.

What is alignment?

Making choices and living in ways consistent with your core values.

What are the four components of authenticity?

Awareness, unbiased processing, authentic behavior, and relational orientation.

What is the diathesis-stress model?

Psychological outcomes result from the interaction of vulnerability and stress.

What is biological sensitivity to context theory?

Environmental sensitivity can produce worse outcomes in adversity and better ones with support.

What do dandelion children represent?

Children who are relatively less sensitive to environmental conditions.

What do orchid children represent?

Highly sensitive children who may struggle in adversity but thrive with strong support.

What are the major purposes of the justice system?

Justice, punishment, retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation, and preventing future harm.

What is the central truth about healthy boundaries?

Boundaries can be compassionate, protect relationships, and prevent enabling harmful behavior.

What is evidence-based therapy?

Therapy shown effective compared with control conditions in randomized controlled trials.

What is avoidance?

Escaping or avoiding uncomfortable emotions, memories, or trauma reminders.

How does avoidance maintain anxiety?

Immediate relief reinforces escape and prevents learning that a reminder may be safe.

What is habituation?

A decrease in emotional or physiological response after repeated exposure.

How can habituation reduce anxiety?

Safe repeated exposure allows fear responses to decrease without escaping.

What are the five Motivational Interviewing stages listed in the guide?

Precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, maintenance, and relapse.

Why does Motivational Interviewing explore pros and cons?

It helps people explore ambivalence and discover their own reasons for change.

What are the three phases of TF-CBT?

Stabilization; trauma narration and processing; integration and consolidation.

What are the four main stabilization skills in TF-CBT?

Psychoeducation, relaxation, affect modulation, and cognitive coping.

What happens during trauma narration and processing?

The child gradually processes the trauma story and challenges distorted beliefs.

What happens during TF-CBT integration?

Joint parent-child work, improved communication, and strengthening safety.

What are two general considerations for CPP toys?

Developmental appropriateness and opportunities for symbolic emotional expression.

What is the foundation of the parenting pyramid?

Empathy, attention, involvement, play, problem-solving, listening, and talking.

Which parenting strategies should be used liberally?

Positive attention, praise, encouragement, rewards, and celebrations.

Which parenting strategies should be used selectively?

Consequences such as time-outs and loss of privileges.

What is positive reinforcement?

Adding something pleasant to increase behavior. Example: praise for helping.

What is negative reinforcement?

Removing something unpleasant to increase behavior. Example: stopping an alarm.

What is positive punishment?

Adding something unpleasant to decrease behavior. Example: extra chores.

What is negative punishment?

Removing something pleasant to decrease behavior. Example: losing screen time.

What does PRIDE stand for?

Praise, Reflect, Imitate, Describe, Enjoy.

How is a child's tantrum positively reinforced?

The child gets what they wanted after throwing the tantrum.

How is a parent negatively reinforced during a tantrum?

Giving in makes the unpleasant tantrum stop.

What is calling out?

Confronting harmful behavior, often publicly and with blame or shame.

What is calling in?

Addressing harm with respectful accountability and opportunities for change.

What is vicarious traumatization?

Trauma-related symptoms from indirect exposure to other people's traumatic experiences.

What are common symptoms of vicarious traumatization?

Exhaustion, intrusive thoughts, sleep problems, detachment, and worldview changes.

What is self-care?

Recognizing and responding to changing physical, emotional, and psychological needs.

What is non-judgmental noticing?

Observing thoughts and feelings without immediately judging or criticizing them.

What does 'just because you think it doesn't make it true' mean?

Thoughts are not automatically facts; question negative assumptions.

What does T stand for in THREADS?

Thinking and learning brain.

What does H stand for in THREADS?

Hope.

What does R stand for in THREADS?

Regulation or self-control.

What does E stand for in THREADS?

Efficacy: believing you can influence outcomes.

What does A stand for in THREADS?

Attachment: secure, stable, supportive caregiver relationships.

What does D stand for in THREADS?

Developmental skill mastery.

What does S stand for in THREADS?

Social connectedness.

What is SPLINT used for?

Guiding the initial pediatric response when trauma may contribute to symptoms.

What does S stand for in SPLINT?

Saying trauma or stress may be the cause.

What does P stand for in SPLINT?

Problem-solving with the child and family.

What does L stand for in SPLINT?

Language: giving families words to understand their experiences.

What does I stand for in SPLINT?

Investigating further to understand the child's needs.

What does N stand for in SPLINT?

Normalizing trauma-related reactions.

What does T stand for in SPLINT?

Therapy, treatment, or guidance.

What are three individual strategies against burnout?

Life balance, self-care and stress management, and professional support.

What are three organizational strategies against burnout?

Safe workplaces, manageable workloads, and supportive teamwork.

How do individual and organizational burnout strategies differ?

Individual strategies build coping skills; organizational strategies improve workplace conditions.