Positive habits for trauma refer to practices such as identifying healthy and unhealthy coping skills, following good health habits, and practicing resilience. Clients whose environments include these practices tend to show a more resilient response to trauma.
The Positive Habits for Trauma worksheet asks a client to determine unhealthy coping skills they can let go of such as reacting violently, excessive isolation, and misbehaving. This exercise also allows them to practice healthy coping skills such as relaxation, emotional or physical release, creative writing, and mindful distraction.
Letting go of unhealthy coping skills and being aware of healthy coping skills can help with emotional regulation, grounding, self-care, and develop resilience. Caring adults and mental health professionals can use these exercises to assess the weekly progress of kids and teens going through a difficult time, which can help the young person learn how to communicate their needs well.
If your child or teen needs help in preparing for triggering situations, feel free to check out our Trauma Triggers Worksheet.
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Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of trauma worksheets and handouts.
References:
- Boullier, M., & Blair, M. (2018). Adverse childhood experiences. Paediatrics and Child Health, 28(3), 132–137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paed.2017.12.008
- Epstein, C., Hahn, H., Berkowitz, S., & Marans, S. (2017). The child and family Traumatic Stress Intervention. In Springer eBooks (pp. 145–166). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46138-0_7
- Saiprasad, M., Repetti, C., Lanni, D., Rinker, D., Morgan, W., & Forkey, H. (2020). 29.3 EVALUATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF THE RESOURCE PARENT CURRICULUM: IDENTIFYING IMPORTANT GAPS IN CAREGIVER TRAUMA EDUCATION. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 59(10), S207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2020.08.260
- Prather, W., & Golden, J. A. (2009). A behavioral perspective of childhood trauma and attachment issues: Toward alternative treatment approaches for children with a history of abuse. The International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 5(1), 56–74. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0100872
