CFTC Trauma-Informed Care & Psychological First Aid Flashcards

Which core principle of trauma-informed care emphasizes that clients should have input in their own treatment decisions?

Answer: Empowerment and choice

Empowerment and choice is a foundational principle of trauma-informed care that restores a sense of control to survivors.

In Psychological First Aid (PFA), what does the 'Look' component of the Listen-Protect-Link model refer to?

Answer: Observing the scene and identifying those in need

The 'Look' step involves surveying the environment to identify survivors who may need immediate support.

Which response is MOST consistent with a trauma-informed approach when a client becomes dysregulated during a session?

Answer: Use grounding techniques and slow the pace of questioning

Grounding techniques help re-regulate the nervous system and demonstrate safety, which is central to trauma-informed practice.

Secondary traumatic stress (STS) in forensic trauma clinicians is BEST described as:

Answer: Trauma symptoms arising from indirect exposure to clients' traumatic material

STS mirrors PTSD symptoms and develops through repeated indirect exposure to survivors' traumatic experiences.

Which of the following BEST describes the concept of 'window of tolerance' in trauma-informed care?

Answer: The optimal zone of arousal in which a client can process trauma effectively

The window of tolerance describes the arousal zone where a client is neither hyperaroused nor hypoaroused, allowing effective trauma processing.

A trauma survivor repeatedly minimizes the severity of their experience during assessment. The MOST appropriate trauma-informed response is to:

Answer: Validate their experience and avoid pushing for re-disclosure

Validation without pressure respects the survivor's pace and prevents re-traumatization during the assessment process.