trauma interview

Trauma Therapist Interview

Students will interview a therapist, social worker, or psychologist who considers themselves to

have clinical expertise or in-depth experience working with trauma clients. Students are strongly

urged to begin their search for a suitable interviewee after their first synchronous class meeting

in week 1. The interview MUST include questions that evaluate the following topics:

Education and training in trauma counseling

i.e. highest degree earned, licensure(s), certification(s) (EMDR, TF-CBT etc.)

Types of traumas worked with

i.e. intimate partner violence, child abuse, sexual assault, vicarious trauma, war

Theoretical orientation(s) used to treat clients with trauma

i.e. cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, client-centered, solutions-focused,

recovery model

Helpful strategies for working with those exposed to trauma

i.e. patience, rapport building, transparency, collaboration, trauma-informed care

Methods of assessment to screen, diagnose, monitor, or measure trauma symptoms

i.e. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL), UCLA PTSD Reaction Index for

DSM V, Trauma Response Checklist, Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS)

Challenges of working with trauma and strategies for addressing those challenges

i.e. barriers to help-seeking, countertransference, lack of trust, avoidance symptoms

Examples of treatment goals with trauma clients

i.e. psychoeducation, symptom reduction, emotional regulation, challenging

irrational beliefs

Cultural influences they have noticed in their work with trauma clients

i.e. idioms of distress, modified coping responses, client expectations of therapy,

variations in rapport/trust building

Determining factors for termination,

i.e. completion of treatment goals, maintenance of treatment goals, termination

determined by insurance or treatment facility

Approach or strategies for self-care

i.e. creative hobbies, mindfulness activities, spiritual practices, exercise, travel

Please note that the examples provided are not intended to be exhaustive; they should only

serve as points for your consideration.

Based on your interview, you will write a 5-7 page paper summarizing your interviewee’s

responses. In addition to coverage of required topics, students will also need to include:

At least 2 quotations from the interviewee.

Your thoughts and feelings on the interviewee’s responses.

Interpretations of body language, pauses, and silences.

Three points from the readings to connect to the responses provided by the interviewee.

Points will be deducted for:

Lateness.

Lack of proofreading.

Not including coverage of any of the topics listed above.

Over-submission or under-submission of pages (not including references and cover

page).

Lack of personal reflections.

Less than 2 quotations from the interviewee.

Lack of attention to body language and/or silence.

Lack of connection to the course readings.