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Many people experience something traumatic at some point in their life. A traumatic event is one where you are in danger, perhaps where there is threat to life or safety, such as an accident, assault, natural disaster, war, illness or abuse. It can also be an event where you witness something traumatic happening to others or learn about it happening to a loved one.
Good Thinking has produced several resources designed to help you cope with trauma, including the new ‘Coping with Trauma’ workbook and accompanying short film series. These have been produced in partnership with trauma expert Caroline Harrison, a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
It’s important to point out that, whilst helpful, the techniques described in the workbook aren’t as powerful as therapy, which can help you move forward after a traumatic experience more effectively. Also, if you find that the techniques in the workbook don’t seem to help at first, don’t worry. Sometimes it helps if a trained therapist can go through them with you, until you find the right techniques for you. Some of the films show you what it’s like to talk with a therapist about this.
We recommend that you watch these films before using the ‘Coping with Trauma’ workbook as they may help you use it more effectively.
To download the workbook, please click on the link below:
To print the workbook please click on the links below:
‘Coping with Trauma’ provides a series of seven techniques that offer help and guidance if you:
Although these techniques can help, seeing a therapist will be more effective in helping you recover from a traumatic experience. You can find out about therapy in your area here.
The seven techniques described in this workbook are designed specifically to help people who have experienced trauma and are out of danger now. They’re not designed for those who are currently experiencing trauma. In these situations, the techniques could potentially make you feel worse.
If the trauma is over and in the past, these techniques can help you focus on what’s happening around you, stay in the present and help to remind you that the danger is over and that you are safe now.
The seven techniques are:
After a traumatic experience you may be worried about anything that might ‘trigger’ you or might cause you to relive the traumatic experience.
Watch the films or use the workbook in a place where you feel peaceful and comfortable. You may want to have someone around to support you if you feel distressed.
If you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about using the workbook, it is a good idea to discuss your concerns with a professional, such as your GP, or a therapist. A therapist can also support you in additional ways, and help you recover from the traumatic experience.
If you would like to see a therapist, you can find specialist trauma therapists and psychologists through the NHS Talking Therapies service. The ‘Coping with Trauma’ workbook may support you while you are waiting to see a therapist and help you feel safe again.
Have questions about traumatic experiences? Watch these films or click here to read our Q&A.