Trauma often leaves a lasting impact on physical and mental health. Reactions to trauma can be acute and obvious, but also subtle and seemingly random. A common first step in treating trauma is to normalize these symptoms and help sufferers understand that they aren’t broken, wrong, or alone.
Our Trauma Reactions worksheet presents common reactions that many people experience after a trauma. Using relatable language, the worksheet organizes these reactions into four themes:
- reliving the trauma
- avoiding trauma reminders
- upsetting thoughts or emotions
- feeling “on edge”
Use this worksheet to help clients better understand how trauma has impacted them. Grasping the full extent of trauma’s lingering impact can help make sense of the experience and motivate clients to commit to treatment.
Turn this worksheet into a simple activity by asking your clients to circle the reactions they’ve experienced. Then discuss triggers for these symptoms, explore their meaning, and normalize them by explaining why they occur.
