Psychology Question

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.