In trauma-informed practice, which question is appropriate to begin with when someone has experienced trauma?

In trauma-informed practice, which question is appropriate to begin with when someone has experienced trauma?

• A. Are you feeling safe now?
• B. Why did this happen to you?
• C. What happened to you?
• D. Do you need support now?

Answer: (C)

In trauma-informed practice, the first question should invite the person to share their experience in their own words. Starting with “What happened to you?” gives them control over their story, validates their experience, and sets a respectful, nonjudgmental tone. This open-ended prompt helps establish safety and trust, showing that you’re here to listen and accompany them, not to assign blame or rush toward solutions. Asking “What happened to you?” focuses on the event itself and allows the person to describe what occurred at their own pace. It also helps you gather essential context to tailor support and resources appropriately, without pressuring them to disclose details or justify the trauma. In contrast, questions like “Why did this happen to you?” can imply fault or blame, which can retraumatize. Asking “Are you feeling safe now?” or “Do you need support now?” are important parts of care, but they’re better framed after you’ve created space for the person to share their narrative and establish rapport.

In trauma-informed practice, the first question should invite the person to share their experience in their own words. Starting with “What happened to you?” gives them control over their story, validates their experience, and sets a respectful, nonjudgmental tone. This open-ended prompt helps establish safety and trust, showing that you’re here to listen and accompany them, not to assign blame or rush toward solutions.

Asking “What happened to you?” focuses on the event itself and allows the person to describe what occurred at their own pace. It also helps you gather essential context to tailor support and resources appropriately, without pressuring them to disclose details or justify the trauma. In contrast, questions like “Why did this happen to you?” can imply fault or blame, which can retraumatize. Asking “Are you feeling safe now?” or “Do you need support now?” are important parts of care, but they’re better framed after you’ve created space for the person to share their narrative and establish rapport.