Trauma-Informed Care Flashcards

Which of the following best defines trauma-informed care in the context of peer support?

Answer: An approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and integrates knowledge about trauma into practices

Trauma-informed care is an organizational and practice approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and integrates this knowledge into policies, procedures, and practices without requiring disclosure.

The SAMHSA framework identifies six key principles of trauma-informed care. Which of the following is one of those principles?

Answer: Safety

Safety is one of SAMHSA's six key principles of trauma-informed care, along with trustworthiness, peer support, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity.

What does the term 'retraumatization' mean in the context of peer support services?

Answer: When a person's trauma symptoms are accidentally triggered by interactions or environments

Retraumatization occurs when interactions, environments, or practices unintentionally trigger a person's trauma responses, making it essential for peer supporters to be aware of potential triggers.

A peer support specialist notices that a person they are supporting becomes visibly distressed when asked about their childhood. What is the most trauma-informed response?

Answer: Acknowledge the distress, offer to pause, and let the person set the pace

A trauma-informed response respects the person's pace and autonomy by acknowledging their distress and allowing them to decide how and when to continue.

Which statement best reflects a trauma-informed perspective on challenging behaviors?

Answer: Challenging behaviors are often survival strategies developed in response to trauma

A trauma-informed perspective understands that many challenging behaviors are adaptive coping strategies developed in response to traumatic experiences, shifting the question from 'What is wrong with you?' to 'What happened to you?'

Why is 'choice' considered a critical element of trauma-informed peer support?

Answer: Because trauma often involves a loss of control, and offering choices restores a sense of autonomy

Trauma frequently involves experiences where a person's power and control were taken away, so offering meaningful choices is a way to restore autonomy and support healing.

What is the significance of understanding 'Adverse Childhood Experiences' (ACEs) for a peer support specialist?

Answer: Knowledge of ACEs helps specialists understand how early trauma can shape health and behavioral outcomes throughout life

The ACEs study demonstrated that childhood adversity has lasting effects on physical health, mental health, and life outcomes, helping peer supporters understand the long-term impact of early trauma.