Trauma & Dissociation

Initial trauma reactions can vary due to…

1. Individual skills and past experiences

2. Ability to access support and resources

3. Reactions and resources in the community at large

True or False: Recounting a past trauma narrative is a necessary part of recovering from trauma.

False.

Name at least 5 common initial reactions to trauma.

1. Exhaustion

2. Confusion

3. Sadness

4. Anxiety

5. Agitation

6. Numbness

7. Dissociation

8. Hyperarousal

9. Blunted affect

Name at least 5 common delayed reactions to trauma.

1. Persistent fatigue

2. Sleep disturbances

3. Nightmares

4. Fear of trauma recurrence

5. Anxiety related to flashbacks

6. Depression

7. Avoidance of emotions, sensations or activities related to the trauma

Trauma can affect beliefs about the future due to…

• Loss of hope

• Fear that positive or anticipate life events won’t occur

• Fear that life will end abruptly

What are the most common emotions related to trauma responses?

Anger

Fear

Sadness

Shame

What are common reasons that lead to emotional avoidance after trauma events?

• Feelings are associated to the traumatic event

• A belief that emotional expression is too dangerous

• Fear of being out of control, similar to the trauma experience

List at least 3 unhealthy behaviors trauma survivors are at risk of using to cope with trauma symptoms.

• Substance abuse (alcohol, drugs, prescription medicine)

• High-risk or self-injurious behaviors

• Disordered eating

• Compulsive behaviors (gambling, overworking)

• Repression or denial of emotions

Trauma treatment seeks to help clients find an _____ level of emotion.

Optimal

What are common goals in treatment for trauma symptoms?

• Regulate emotions without substances or unsafe behaviors

• Tolerate distressing emotions

What does the term “numbing” refer to in trauma-informed therapy?

A biological process where emotions are detached from thoughts, behaviors and memories.

Why does numbing pose a risk for individuals with a trauma history?

Numbing can hide emotional reactions, making it difficult to assess the severity and impact of potential trauma symptoms.

Trauma can result in biological and physical changes to…

1. Limbic system functioning

2. Hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis activity

3. Cortisol levels

4. Neurotransmitters (arousal & endogenous opioid systems)

5. Epigenetic modifications that influence genetic expression

What are the characteristics of hyperarousal?

Sleep disturbances, muscle tension, and lower threshold for startle responses.

What three cognitive patterns are impacted by trauma events?

1. Thoughts about self

2. Thoughts about the world and other people

3. Thoughts about the future