Coping with trauma involves learning to manage and lessen its emotional impact. This process is unique and deeply personal. While many resources focus on helping adults deal with trauma, young clients need tools that are tailored to their age and understanding.
The Coping with Trauma worksheet guides clients to identify their feelings, build coping strategies, and find sources of support. Here, they can choose from a list of coping skills, such as relaxation skills or mindful distraction skills, to help them through difficult times.
This worksheet can help young people regain a sense of safety and control. For example, they might develop a calming routine or learn to reach out to trusted adults when things feel overwhelming. They could also discover simple ways to handle stress, like listening to soothing music or doing something creative.
Once the worksheet is complete, caring adults can use it as a starting point to connect with young people and introduce additional trauma-informed practices. For more coping skills, we recommend checking out our Trauma Coping Skills handout.
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Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of trauma worksheets and handouts.
References:
- Alisic, E., Boeije, H. R., Jongmans, M. J., & Kleber, R. J. (2011). Children's perspectives on dealing with traumatic events. Journal of Loss and Trauma, 16(6), 477-496. https://doi.org/10.1080/15325024.2011.576979
- Boals, A., Riggs, S. A., & Kraha, A. (2012). Coping with stressful or traumatic events: What aspects of trauma reactions are associated with health outcomes? Stress and Health, 29(2), 156-163. https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.2443
- Cherewick, M., Kohli, A., Remy, M. M., Murhula, C. M., Kurhorhwa, A. K., Mirindi, A. B., Bufole, N. M., Banywesize, J. H., Ntakwinja, G. M., Kindja, G. M., & Glass, N. (2015). Coping among trauma-affected youth: A qualitative study. Conflict and Health, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13031-015-0062-5
