370 Questions to Ask About Trauma

Talking about trauma is a big deal, and asking the right questions can really make a difference.

Whether you’re trying to understand yourself better, help someone you care about, or just want to know how to cope, questions are your starting point. They can open doors to healing, offer new ways to think about tough stuff, and even connect you with people who get it.

About Trauma Informed Care

1. What is trauma-informed care?
2. How is it different from regular medical care?
3. Who should consider getting trauma-informed care?
4. What kind of issues does trauma-informed care help with?
5. How do professionals get trained in trauma-informed care?
6. What can I expect in my first trauma-informed session?
7. Is trauma-informed care just for adults or can kids get it too?
8. Are there any side effects to trauma-informed care?
9. What techniques are commonly used in trauma-informed care?
10. How long does it take to see benefits from trauma-informed care?
11. Can I combine trauma-informed care with other therapies?
12. Is trauma-informed care covered by insurance?
13. How do I find a qualified trauma-informed care provider?
14. Are there online options for trauma-informed care?
15. Can trauma-informed care help with mental health issues like depression or anxiety?
16. How does trauma-informed care address cultural differences?
17. Can trauma-informed care help with physical pain or issues?
18. What kind of follow-up is there after a trauma-informed care session?
19. Can trauma-informed care be harmful or triggering?
20. What should I do if I feel worse after a session?
21. Is there any homework or things to practice between sessions?
22. How often should I go for trauma-informed care?
23. Can trauma-informed care help with relationship issues?
24. Are there any books or resources to learn more about trauma-informed care?
25. How do I know if trauma-informed care is working for me?
26. Can trauma-informed care help me get off medication?
27. Is trauma-informed care backed by scientific research?
28. How does trauma-informed care involve family and friends?
29. What should I look for in reviews or testimonials about a trauma-informed care provider?
30. Can I stop trauma-informed care if I feel better, or is it a long-term commitment?

About Childhood Trauma

1. How can I recognize the signs of childhood trauma?
2. What are some common causes of trauma in children?
3. How does childhood trauma affect emotional growth?
4. Can childhood trauma have long-lasting impacts into adulthood?
5. How does childhood trauma influence behavior in school?
6. What’s the best way to approach a child who might have experienced trauma?
7. How does childhood trauma affect relationships with peers?
8. Are there any specific warning signs in teens that might indicate past trauma?
9. How can caregivers provide a safe space for children who have experienced trauma?
10. Are there certain age groups that are more vulnerable to the effects of trauma?
11. How does childhood trauma affect self-esteem?
12. What should be avoided when talking to a child about their trauma?
13. How does trauma affect a child’s trust in adults?
14. Can trauma influence a child’s academic performance?
15. How can schools be more supportive of students with trauma history?
16. What role do counselors play in helping children cope with trauma?
17. Can childhood trauma lead to substance abuse issues later in life?
18. How can art and creativity help a child express their feelings about trauma?
19. What are the first steps in helping a child heal from trauma?
20. Can pets or therapy animals help children deal with trauma?
21. Are there specific types of therapy that are best for childhood trauma?
22. How do I explain trauma to a child in a way they can understand?
23. How does childhood trauma differ from adult trauma?
24. What can trigger memories of childhood trauma in adulthood?
25. Can childhood trauma affect physical health?
26. How does trauma influence a child’s view of the world?
27. Is it possible for a child to fully recover from trauma?
28. What should I do if I suspect a child is currently experiencing trauma?
29. How can mindfulness techniques help children cope with trauma?
30. Is medication ever recommended for children dealing with trauma?
31. How can I be a supportive friend to someone who has experienced childhood trauma?
32. Are there support groups for children who have experienced trauma?
33. How does trauma affect siblings in the same family?
34. What role does resilience play in recovering from childhood trauma?
35. Can childhood trauma be passed down through generations?
36. How can parents best support each other if their child has experienced trauma?
37. What legal steps should be taken if a child is experiencing ongoing trauma?
38. Is it common for children to repress memories of trauma?
39. How can you help a child regain a sense of safety after experiencing trauma?
40. What role can community and social support play in healing from childhood trauma?

About Intergenerational Trauma

1. What is intergenerational trauma, and how is it different from individual trauma?
2. How can intergenerational trauma be identified within a family?
3. Are some cultures or communities more at risk for intergenerational trauma?
4. How does intergenerational trauma affect family dynamics?
5. Can intergenerational trauma impact physical health?
6. Is it possible to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma?
7. What role does storytelling or family history play in understanding intergenerational trauma?
8. How does intergenerational trauma affect parenting styles?
9. Can intergenerational trauma be passed down through behaviors and not just genes?
10. What is the first step in healing intergenerational trauma within a family?
11. How does intergenerational trauma affect someone’s sense of identity?
12. Are there gender differences in how intergenerational trauma is experienced?
13. What role do rituals and traditions play in either healing or perpetuating intergenerational trauma?
14. Can education about intergenerational trauma help in its healing?
15. How can therapy help in understanding and healing intergenerational trauma?
16. Are there specific therapeutic approaches that work best for intergenerational trauma?
17. Can a single family member take steps to heal intergenerational trauma, or does it have to be a collective effort?
18. How can community programs help in addressing intergenerational trauma?
19. What are some signs that intergenerational trauma is affecting your life?
20. How does intergenerational trauma influence relationships outside the family?
21. Is it ever too late to address intergenerational trauma?
22. Can understanding intergenerational trauma help in resolving current family conflicts?
23. What role can spirituality play in healing from intergenerational trauma?
24. How can you create a safe space for family members to discuss intergenerational trauma?
25. What are some healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with intergenerational trauma?
26. Can journaling or writing help in healing from intergenerational trauma?
27. What impact can intergenerational trauma have on career and job performance?
28. Can community leaders play a role in helping families address intergenerational trauma?
29. How should schools approach students who may be dealing with intergenerational trauma?
30. Are there online resources or apps that can help with healing intergenerational trauma?
31. How can one advocate for more public awareness about intergenerational trauma?
32. Is it common for people to deny the existence of intergenerational trauma within their families?
33. How do you navigate the holidays and family gatherings when dealing with intergenerational trauma?
34. Can acknowledging intergenerational trauma lead to a stronger sense of self?
35. Are there books or documentaries that can help deepen understanding of intergenerational trauma?
36. How do you deal with resistance or denial from family members when discussing intergenerational trauma?
37. Is it possible for intergenerational trauma to skip generations?
38. How can couples navigate relationships if they both come from families with intergenerational trauma?
39. What role does financial well-being play in intergenerational trauma?
40. Can a focus on wellness and self-care help mitigate the effects of intergenerational trauma?

Regarding Coping Strategies

1. What are the first steps you usually take when you feel overwhelmed?
2. Can you identify any coping methods that have been really helpful for you?
3. Are there coping strategies that you’ve tried but found to be ineffective or even harmful?
4. How do you distinguish between healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms?
5. What role does self-care play in your coping strategies?
6. Do you use physical activities like exercise as a way to cope?
7. How does your support network fit into your coping strategies?
8. Have you tried any relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation, to cope?
9. Do you find comfort in creative outlets like art, writing, or music?
10. How often do you feel the need to escape or avoid situations that trigger you?
11. Do you use humor or laughter as a coping strategy?
12. How do you balance facing your trauma with the need to protect yourself emotionally?
13. What are some small actions that help you feel more in control when stressed?
14. Have you ever used mindfulness techniques, and if so, did you find them helpful?
15. Do you have any go-to resources, like books or websites, that help you with coping?
16. How does your current routine or structure help or hinder your coping strategies?
17. Are there specific affirmations or mantras you tell yourself to help cope?
18. Have you found certain foods or diets that help you feel better emotionally?
19. Do you set boundaries as a form of coping, and how effective has that been for you?
20. Have you ever consulted with a professional to develop coping strategies?
21. How do you take mental breaks or “time-outs” when you need to cope?
22. Do you feel like your coping strategies change based on where you are or who you’re with?
23. Do you have any rituals or habits that make you feel safer or more grounded?
24. How do you cope with nightmares or distressing dreams related to your trauma?
25. Are you comfortable asking for help when your usual coping strategies don’t work?
26. How do you cope with sensory triggers like smells, sounds, or sights?
27. Do you find that your coping mechanisms change over time?
28. Are there any substances that you avoid because they negatively impact your ability to cope?
29. How do you approach holidays or anniversaries that may bring up traumatic memories?
30. What would you say is your biggest challenge when it comes to developing healthy coping strategies?

Regarding Emotional Symptoms

1. How would you describe your emotional state on a day-to-day basis?
2. Are there specific emotions that you feel most often?
3. Do you experience mood swings or sudden changes in emotion?
4. Can you identify the emotions that you find hardest to deal with?
5. Do you feel emotionally numb or detached at times?
6. How do you handle feelings of anger or irritability?
7. Are there moments when you feel intense sadness or depression?
8. Do you ever feel a sense of dread or impending doom?
9. How often do you feel anxious or worried?
10. Do you experience guilt or shame related to your trauma?
11. Are you dealing with feelings of loneliness or isolation?
12. How does emotional pain manifest physically for you, if at all?
13. Have you ever felt emotionally overwhelmed to the point where you couldn’t function?
14. Do you have coping mechanisms specifically for handling emotional symptoms?
15. Do you find it difficult to identify or name your emotions?
16. Are there emotions you avoid feeling or acknowledging?
17. How does your emotional state affect your relationships with family and friends?
18. Do you ever feel like your emotions are not valid or important?
19. Have your emotional symptoms led you to withdraw from social or recreational activities?
20. Do you feel emotionally exhausted or drained?
21. How do you react to triggers that bring up emotional symptoms?
22. Are there times when your emotions feel out of proportion to the situation?
23. Do you ever experience a lack of emotion where you think you should be feeling something?
24. Are there emotional symptoms that you’ve noticed worsening over time?
25. How does your emotional state affect your ability to work or focus?
26. Do you find that certain environments or situations worsen your emotional symptoms?
27. How do you handle unexpected emotional reactions?
28. Are there specific times of day when your emotional symptoms are more intense?
29. Have you sought professional help for managing emotional symptoms?
30. What would emotional healing look like to you?

Regarding Mental Health Impact

1. How do you feel trauma has influenced your overall mental well-being?
2. Do you feel your thought patterns have changed since experiencing trauma?
3. How would you describe your self-esteem right now?
4. Do you struggle with symptoms of anxiety or depression?
5. Have you noticed changes in your ability to concentrate or focus?
6. Do you experience any symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
7. Have you sought any mental health treatment or counseling for your trauma?
8. Do you feel like your mental energy is lower than it used to be?
9. Have you had any thoughts of self-harm or suicide?
10. Do you find that your trauma affects your performance at work or school?
11. Are you experiencing any symptoms you would describe as obsessive or compulsive?
12. How does trauma affect your ability to trust others?
13. Do you feel that your trauma has led you to isolate yourself?
14. How does your mental state impact your physical health, if at all?
15. Are you finding it more difficult to make decisions or solve problems?
16. Have you experienced any dissociative symptoms, like feeling disconnected from yourself?
17. Do you feel that your trauma has led to increased fear or phobias?
18. How do you handle stress, and has that changed since your trauma?
19. Are there aspects of your mental health that you’re reluctant to talk about?
20. Do you feel that your trauma affects your emotional intelligence or empathy?
21. Are there times when you feel a lack of motivation or purpose?
22. How has trauma influenced your view on mental health treatment?
23. Do you feel that your mental health impacts your relationships?
24. Do you experience memory issues or lapses?
25. Have you noticed an increase in impulsivity or risk-taking behaviors?
26. Do you feel like you’re in a constant state of alertness or hyper-vigilance?
27. Are there any addictive behaviors you’ve developed that you think are related to your trauma?
28. Have you felt stigmatized or judged for your mental health struggles?
29. Do you think your trauma has led to an increase in irrational thoughts or beliefs?
30. What steps, if any, have you taken to manage the mental health impact of your trauma?

Regarding Support Networks

1. Who do you consider to be part of your support network?
2. Do you feel comfortable reaching out for support when you’re struggling?
3. Are there specific people who understand what you’re going through better than others?
4. How has your trauma affected your trust in your support network?
5. Do you ever worry about burdening others with your trauma?
6. Have any relationships changed or been strained due to your experience?
7. Are there people you’ve distanced yourself from since experiencing trauma?
8. Do you feel supported in both emotional and practical ways?
9. What kind of support do you wish you had more of?
10. Are you part of any support groups, either online or in person?
11. How open are you with your support network about your struggles?
12. Do you find it easy to ask for what you need, or is it a challenge?
13. Has anyone in your support network gone through similar experiences?
14. Do you have someone you can talk to when you have a bad day or when triggers come up?
15. What are some barriers you face when it comes to building or maintaining a support network?
16. How do you show support to others in your network?
17. Are there people in your life you wish understood your situation better?
18. Have you ever felt disappointed or let down by your support network?
19. How important is it for you to have a diverse range of supportive relationships?
20. Have you spoken to a therapist or counselor, and do you consider them part of your support network?
21. Do you find social media to be a supportive space or a triggering one?
22. How do your family members fit into your support network?
23. Do you ever worry that your trauma defines how people in your support network see you?
24. What qualities do you value most in a supportive relationship?
25. Have you ever had to set boundaries with people in your support network?
26. How does your support network help you cope on a practical level (like helping with tasks)?
27. Do you ever feel lonely or isolated even when support is available?
28. How have your support needs changed over time?
29. Are there ways you wish your support network would improve?
30. What’s the most meaningful support you’ve received?

Regarding Recovery Journey

1. How do you define recovery for yourself?
2. What was the turning point that led you to seek recovery?
3. What are the milestones you’ve reached in your recovery journey?
4. What challenges have you faced since starting your recovery?
5. Have there been setbacks? If so, how did you cope with them?
6. Are there specific goals you’ve set for your recovery?
7. What resources have you found most helpful along the way?
8. Do you have a treatment plan, and how closely do you follow it?
9. How do you celebrate the progress you’ve made?
10. How has your outlook on life changed since you began your recovery?
11. What’s been the most surprising part of your recovery journey?
12. Are there any coping skills you’ve learned that have been especially valuable?
13. How has your relationship with yourself changed?
14. What role has forgiveness, of yourself or others, played in your recovery?
15. How has your understanding of your own trauma evolved?
16. What advice would you give someone who is just starting their recovery journey?
17. Are there days you feel like giving up? How do you get through them?
18. How important has professional help been in your recovery?
19. Do you engage in any alternative or complementary therapies?
20. How has your recovery affected your daily routines and lifestyle?
21. Have any books, movies, or other media been impactful in your recovery?
22. What’s been the hardest part of sticking to your recovery plan?
23. How do you handle potential triggers now as compared to before?
24. Do you keep a journal or some record of your recovery journey?
25. How do you balance your recovery with other life commitments like work or family?
26. What has been the role of self-compassion in your recovery?
27. Have you been able to reconnect with activities or hobbies that you loved before?
28. What new boundaries have you set for yourself?
29. How have friends and family reacted to your recovery journey?
30. Looking back, what do you wish you knew before starting your journey toward recovery?

Regarding Professional Help

1. Have you considered seeking professional help for your trauma?
2. What are your biggest concerns about talking to a therapist or counselor?
3. Have you ever had a therapy experience before? If yes, how was it?
4. Do you feel like there are barriers to getting professional help, like cost or time?
5. What would make you feel comfortable in a therapist’s office?
6. Are there specific qualifications you would look for in a mental health professional?
7. Do you have preferences for the type of therapy or treatment approach?
8. How important is it for you that your therapist has experience with trauma specifically?
9. What are your expectations from a professional helping you with trauma?
10. Are you interested in medication as a part of your treatment?
11. Would you consider group therapy or support groups?
12. How would you want to measure progress in a professional setting?
13. Do you have concerns about confidentiality when talking to a professional?
14. Would you be open to involving loved ones in your therapy sessions if recommended?
15. What questions do you have for a therapist before you begin treatment?
16. Are you familiar with trauma-informed care, and is that important to you?
17. Do you think remote sessions (telehealth) would work for you?
18. How frequently do you think you’d be able to attend therapy sessions?
19. Do you have any cultural or religious considerations that a therapist should be aware of?
20. Would you be open to alternative therapies like art therapy or animal-assisted therapy?
21. How would you handle disagreements or issues with your therapist?
22. Are there specific outcomes you hope to achieve through professional help?
23. What’s your ideal timeframe for seeing changes or improvements?
24. How would you balance therapy with other life commitments?
25. Are there past experiences with professionals that make you hesitant to seek help again?
26. How much say do you want to have in your own treatment plan?
27. What role do you see for diagnostic labels or terms in your treatment?
28. How open would you be to sharing very personal or distressing details?
29. Do you have any preferences about the gender or background of the therapist?
30. What would make you feel like your time with a therapist was successful?

To Ask Yourself

1. Am I aware of what triggers my emotional or physical reactions related to trauma?
2. Do I know when I need to seek help, and am I willing to do so?
3. How does my past trauma shape my current beliefs about myself?
4. Do I recognize patterns in my behavior that could be linked to past trauma?
5. How do I react when someone close to me brings up topics that could be triggering?
6. What coping mechanisms have I developed, and are they healthy or harmful?
7. Do I allow myself to feel vulnerable, or do I constantly put up emotional walls?
8. How does trauma influence my daily decisions, big or small?
9. What are my physical sensations when I recall or experience trauma triggers?
10. How does my trauma affect my sleep quality or patterns?
11. Do I engage in self-blame or guilt related to the trauma?
12. How has my trauma impacted my ability to trust others?
13. Am I isolating myself to avoid confronting or triggering my trauma?
14. How does my past trauma affect my view of the future?
15. What are some things that make me feel safe and grounded?
16. Am I carrying any shame related to my trauma, and how can I let go of it?
17. Do I know how to set boundaries to protect my emotional well-being?
18. How does my trauma affect my self-esteem and self-worth?
19. Have I acknowledged the full impact of my trauma, or am I minimizing it?
20. What steps have I taken to heal, and what more can I do?
21. Do I know how to ask for the kind of support I need from those around me?
22. Am I willing to forgive myself for how I’ve coped with trauma in the past?
23. How do my close relationships help or hinder my trauma healing?
24. What role does work or career play in my coping strategy?
25. Have I identified any toxic relationships that could be exacerbating my trauma?
26. How does my trauma affect my enjoyment and experience of life’s pleasures?
27. Am I avoiding certain places or situations that remind me of my trauma?
28. Do I feel like my identity is defined by my trauma?
29. How do I react when confronted with others who have experienced similar traumas?
30. Have I considered trying therapy, and if not, what’s holding me back?
31. What kind of inner dialogue do I have about my trauma?
32. Am I constantly in a state of alertness or hypervigilance?
33. How does my trauma influence my relationship with my own body?
34. Do I engage in activities that could be considered self-destructive?
35. How does trauma impact my overall sense of security and stability?
36. Am I open to the idea of healing, even if it feels daunting?
37. How have my goals or ambitions been influenced by my trauma?
38. Do I allow myself to grieve the losses that came with my traumatic experiences?
39. What are some positive traits or strengths that have emerged from my struggle with trauma?
40. Can I envision a future for myself that isn’t dominated by my past trauma?

Deep Questions to Ask

1. How do you define the word “trauma” for yourself?
2. What impact has your trauma had on your sense of self?
3. Do you feel as though your trauma has changed your worldview?
4. What existential questions have you grappled with as a result of your experience?
5. Have your beliefs about justice, fairness, or fate changed due to your trauma?
6. Do you find it challenging to be present, and how does that relate to your trauma?
7. In what ways has trauma made you more self-aware or less self-aware?
8. How has your trauma affected your sense of time, whether past, present, or future?
9. Can you identify ways in which your trauma has impacted your spiritual beliefs?
10. How does your trauma interact with your fear of vulnerability?
11. Do you experience a disconnect between your mind and body? If so, how?
12. What are the most challenging internal narratives or beliefs you’ve developed because of your trauma?
13. How does your trauma affect your idea of what’s possible for you in life?
14. Do you find it difficult to express your emotions, and is this tied to your traumatic experience?
15. How does your trauma affect your sense of autonomy or freedom?
16. Do you feel your trauma has altered your ability to connect authentically with others?
17. How do you deal with the unpredictability or uncertainty that comes with trauma?
18. Have you found meaning or purpose through the process of dealing with your trauma?
19. Do you feel like your trauma has impacted your concept of home or belonging?
20. How has your trauma influenced your relationship with authority figures?
21. Do you feel your trauma has given you insights that you otherwise wouldn’t have had?
22. Have you ever felt a sense of detachment or unreality, and how do you cope with that?
23. In what ways has your trauma made you rethink your values?
24. How has your trauma affected your tolerance for pain, whether physical or emotional?
25. Are there aspects of yourself that you feel you’ve lost due to your trauma?
26. How does your trauma affect your understanding of life and death?
27. Do you think your trauma has changed your perceptions of what is “normal“?
28. How has trauma shaped your notions of morality or ethics?
29. Are you able to experience joy or happiness without feeling guilty or undeserving?
30. Do you feel like you’re in a state of constant survival mode?
31. Has your trauma influenced your idea of success and failure?
32. How does your trauma affect your sense of intimacy and love?
33. Are you afraid of forgetting your trauma, and if so, why?
34. Do you feel your trauma has made you more empathetic towards others or less so?
35. Do you find that your trauma impacts your dreams or subconscious mind?
36. How does your trauma relate to your fears of abandonment or rejection?
37. In what ways do you feel trapped by your trauma?
38. Has your trauma impacted your relationship with material possessions or money?
39. Do you have a “before and after” view of your life based on your trauma?
40. Are there things you wish people understood about your experience with trauma?

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find more resources about trauma and questioning?

For further information, you may consult:

• Books: Look for literature by experts in the field of psychology and trauma.
• Academic Journals: These provide deep insights but can be complex.
• Online Platforms: Websites, podcasts, and webinars also offer accessible information.

Is it okay to not want to answer questions about trauma?

Absolutely, it’s your right to not answer questions if you’re not comfortable. Your well-being is the priority. If you’re working with a professional, they will respect your boundaries.