Questions to Ask About Childhood Trauma
Sensitive, supportive questions to understand and support someone's healing journey while respecting their boundaries and emotional safety.
1How are you feeling about your healing journey right now?
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How are you feeling about your healing journey right now?
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Why this works
Shows genuine care and allows the person to share their current emotional state without pressure to discuss specific traumatic details.
2What has been most helpful for you in your healing process so far?
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What has been most helpful for you in your healing process so far?
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Why this works
Focuses on positive aspects and resources, allowing them to share what works without dwelling on past trauma or pain.
3How can I best support you in your healing journey?
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How can I best support you in your healing journey?
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Why this works
Demonstrates willingness to help while respecting their autonomy and allowing them to set boundaries for support.
4What does a good day look like for you?
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What does a good day look like for you?
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Why this works
Shifts focus to positive outcomes and helps you understand what healing success means to them personally.
5Are there any triggers or situations I should be aware of?
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Are there any triggers or situations I should be aware of?
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Why this works
Shows consideration for their wellbeing while allowing them to share information that helps you be supportive and avoid causing harm.
6How do you prefer to handle stress or difficult emotions?
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How do you prefer to handle stress or difficult emotions?
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Why this works
Reveals their coping strategies and helps you understand how to be supportive during challenging times without overwhelming them.
7What activities or practices have you discovered that bring you peace?
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What activities or practices have you discovered that bring you peace?
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Why this works
Focuses on positive aspects of their healing journey and shows interest in their personal growth and self-care practices.
8How has your perspective on life changed since beginning your healing journey?
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How has your perspective on life changed since beginning your healing journey?
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Why this works
Allows them to share positive transformations and insights gained through their healing process while maintaining a forward-looking perspective.
9What boundaries do you need me to respect?
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What boundaries do you need me to respect?
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Why this works
Shows respect for their autonomy and helps establish clear expectations for your relationship and interactions.
10How do you celebrate your healing milestones and achievements?
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How do you celebrate your healing milestones and achievements?
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Why this works
Focuses on positive recognition and helps you understand how to appropriately acknowledge their progress and growth.
11What has surprised you most about the healing process?
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What has surprised you most about the healing process?
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Why this works
Allows them to share insights and experiences while maintaining a positive, forward-looking perspective on their journey.
12How do you handle setbacks or difficult days in your healing?
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How do you handle setbacks or difficult days in your healing?
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Why this works
Shows understanding that healing isn't linear while allowing them to share their resilience strategies and support needs.
13What relationships have been most supportive for you?
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What relationships have been most supportive for you?
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Why this works
Reveals their support network and helps you understand the importance of positive relationships in the healing process.
14How do you practice self-care and maintain your wellbeing?
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How do you practice self-care and maintain your wellbeing?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their holistic health and reveals strategies they use to maintain their healing and emotional wellbeing.
15What goals are you working toward in your healing journey?
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What goals are you working toward in your healing journey?
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Why this works
Focuses on future aspirations and positive direction while allowing them to share their hopes and dreams for continued growth.
16How do you handle social situations or events that might be challenging?
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How do you handle social situations or events that might be challenging?
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Why this works
Shows consideration for their comfort and helps you understand how to be supportive in various social contexts.
17What has been the most meaningful part of your healing journey?
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What has been the most meaningful part of your healing journey?
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Why this works
Allows them to share positive experiences and insights while focusing on the meaningful aspects of their healing process.
18How do you maintain your motivation and commitment to healing?
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How do you maintain your motivation and commitment to healing?
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Why this works
Reveals their internal resources and strategies for staying committed to their healing goals and personal growth.
19What advice would you give to someone else starting their healing journey?
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What advice would you give to someone else starting their healing journey?
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Why this works
Allows them to share wisdom and experience while focusing on their growth and ability to help others in similar situations.
20How can I be a positive influence in your life?
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How can I be a positive influence in your life?
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Why this works
Shows genuine care and allows them to guide you on how to be supportive while respecting their boundaries and needs.
Best Practices for Supporting Trauma Healing
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Focus on the Present and Future
Ask questions that focus on their current wellbeing and future goals rather than dwelling on past trauma or details of their experiences.
Respect Boundaries and Privacy
Understand that trauma healing is deeply personal. Ask questions that show care without prying into sensitive details they may not want to share.
Listen Without Judgment
Create a safe space for them to share by listening actively and responding with empathy rather than advice or judgment.
Question Sequences
The Supportive Check-in Sequence
The Positive Growth Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask About Specific Trauma Details
Avoid questions about specific traumatic events or details. Focus on their current wellbeing and healing journey instead.
Don't Offer Unsolicited Advice
Resist the urge to give advice about their healing. Instead, ask how you can support them and let them guide the conversation.
Don't Make Assumptions
Don't assume you know what they need or what their healing looks like. Ask open-ended questions and let them share what they're comfortable with.