Healing from trauma involves adopting positive coping strategies to manage difficult emotions. The process can be challenging, but research shows that activities such as relaxation techniques and regular physical activity can aid recovery.
The Healthy Ways to Manage Trauma handout teaches 8 categories of coping skills that involve building resilience, practicing relaxation or grounding skills, engaging in self-care, asking for help, and more. Each category features specific examples.
With this resource, kids and teens can develop a deeper understanding of their emotions and build healthier coping mechanisms. Daily journaling or reflecting on feelings can help make these healthy habits a regular part of their lives.
Caring adults can support kids and teens by encouraging them to explore various coping skills to find what works best. They can also offer positive reminders to stay patient and consistent with healthy habits, even when healing feels slow.
This handout pairs well with our Trauma Coping Skills worksheet.
*This item is an instant digital download. A link to download your files will be emailed to you once payment is confirmed.
Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of trauma worksheets and handouts.
References:
- Hoskins, D., Duncan, L. G., Moskowitz, J. T., & Ordóñez, A. E. (2018). Positive adaptations for trauma and healing (PATH), a pilot study of group therapy with Latino youth. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 10(2), 163-172. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0000285
- Stapleton, P., Kip, K., Church, D., Toussaint, L., Footman, J., Ballantyne, P., & O’Keefe, T. (2023). Emotional freedom techniques for treating post traumatic stress disorder: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1195286
- Summerfield, D. A. (2005). Coping with the aftermath of trauma: NICE guidelines on post-traumatic stress disorder have fundamental flaw. BMJ, 331(7507), 50.2. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.331.7507.50-a
