Sample interview questions: Can you discuss your understanding of trauma-informed care and its relevance to play therapy?
Sample answer:
Understanding Trauma-Informed Care and Its Relevance to Play Therapy:
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What is Trauma-Informed Care?
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Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes the impact of traumatic experiences on an individual’s physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. It involves understanding the effects of trauma, responding with sensitivity to potential triggers, and promoting healing and recovery.
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Key Principles of Trauma-Informed Care:
a) Safety and Trust: Creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel respected, valued, and empowered.
b) Choice and Control: Providing individuals with choices and control over their treatment and healing process.
c) Collaboration and Partnership: Collaborating with individuals to develop a shared understanding of their trauma experiences and collaboratively developing goals and interventions.
d) Sensitivity to Triggers: Understanding and being mindful of potential triggers that can cause distress or retraumatization.
e) Empowerment: Promoting empowerment by fostering resilience, self-efficacy, and coping skills.
- Relevance to Play Therapy:
a) Safe and Supportive Environment: Play therapy provides a safe and contained space for children to explore their emotions, experiences, and thoughts.
b) Non-Verbal Expression: Play allows children to express themselves non-verbally, which can be particularly helpful for those who struggle to verbalize their experiences.
c) Metaphor and Symbolism: Play therapy utilizes metaphors and symbols to help children process and understand traumatic experiences in a safe and manageable way.
d) Catharsis and Release: Play provides an opportunity for children to release pent-up emotions, reduce anxiety, and promote healing.
e) Skill Building: Play therapy can be used to teach children coping skills, emotional regulation strategies, and healthy ways to manage their reactions to trauma.
- Benefits of Trauma-Informed Play Therapy:
a) Increased Self-Awareness: Play therapy can help children become more aware of their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, leading to greater self-understandi… Read full answer