Crisis and Trauma Resource Padlet Creation Overview Cidra Towfeeq by Cidra Towfeeq

Name & Program

ctowfeeq — 2025-01-25 10:10:41 UTC

Hello my name is Cidra Towfeeq. My program is Professional Counseling M.A.

Introduction and Assessing Prior Knowledge- Artifact

ctowfeeq — 2025-01-25 10:16:09 UTC

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. This is my first year at Angelo State University, where I'm pursuing a master's degree in professional counseling. After completing the program, I intend to take the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) test. I took a year off after completing my bachelor's degree. During my year off, I married, moved to a new state, Texas, and started my own small candy business. While I'm a little nervous about returning to school, I'm excited to get back on track.

There were many surprising facts, but one that stood out to me was that in the United States, nearly half of all adults (46.4%) will suffer from a mental illness at some point in their lives. I knew that mental illness is on the rise in the United States, especially since COVID-19 has raised a lot of awareness about it. When it comes to numbers, the fact that it has reached nearly half is truly surprising. In some ways, I'm glad I'm pursuing a career that will help people suffering from mental illnesses.

From the quizzes I took: https://deconstructingstigma.org/mental-health-quiz. I answered five out of eight questions correctly. I've never been good with numbers, so while taking this quiz, I was constantly second-guessing myself. However, this quiz was quite insightful because it gives you an idea of how much of a percentage is going on in our country. Before studying psychology, I would have been surprised at the high numbers. However, going to counseling and interacting with my peers makes sense. In my future role as a counselor, I hope to gain the necessary knowledge and techniques to assist those in need in my counseling career. I aim to acquire the necessary knowledge and techniques to assist individuals in crisis, trauma, and mental illnesses. When assisting others, it is important to handle these sensitive topics with care and respect.

What piqued my interest after reading through our Unit 1 readings was why mental illness is on the rise. According to One Source, "The increase in digital media use may have had a bigger impact on teens and young adults" (American Psychological Association, 2019). If any of you have the time, I highly recommend reading the article. But it does make me think that many negative elements on social media encourage people to engage in negative behavior, which can lead to mental illness. Every day, social media introduces a new trending technique that can influence a large number of young people. Their loved ones may struggle to adjust, which could contribute to the rise in mental illness. This is just my opinion; there are many more reasons why it's on the rise, and as a future counselor, I believe I must learn as many as possible.

I look forward to learning from this class and working with you all.

Link here : https://angelo.blackboard.com/ultra/courses/_92269_1/cl/outline

Reflection

ctowfeeq — 2025-01-25 10:25:10 UTC

Among the many startling statistics I encountered, one that stood out the most was that nearly half of all Americans (46.4%) will experience a mental disorder at some point in their lives. While I was aware that mental illness is on the rise, especially with the increased awareness brought on by COVID-19, seeing this percentage was eye-opening. The pandemic not only raised public awareness of mental health but also exacerbated issues such as loneliness, financial stress, and uncertainty about the future.

As a future counselor, it is crucial for me to understand how COVID-19 has reshaped society and continues to influence mental health today. Although the pandemic occurred four years ago, its effects persist, and many people are still adjusting emotionally and mentally. I have heard numerous accounts from individuals who continue to struggle with the long-term impact of the pandemic on their lives. This reinforces the importance of mental health professionals staying informed and equipped to address the evolving needs of those affected.

Substance Abuse

ctowfeeq — 2025-02-17 04:54:17 UTC

Substance use disorder is the use of illegal drugs like heroin, cocaine, meth, or marijuana. Substance use disorder is a pattern of substance use that causes severe issues or discomfort, such as missing work or school, driving recklessly, or harming friends and family. Early detection can prevent addiction. Early treatment can prevent addiction from worsening. Drugs disrupt brain function and reasoning, affecting self-control and decision-making. Early treatment preserves the brain and improves recovery.

Psychosis

ctowfeeq — 2025-02-17 05:02:32 UTC

A person experiencing a psychotic episode might have altered views of reality and difficulty with clear thinking. They might have strange beliefs, see or hear things that are absent, or struggle to control their emotions. Prevention of worsening depends on early psychosis diagnosis. Many experiencing psychosis might not be aware they have it. Early diagnosis can greatly affect long-term results by stopping the disease from completely developing, lowering symptom severity, and enabling better management.

Anxiety

ctowfeeq — 2025-02-17 05:05:06 UTC

Anxiety disorders are more than just random fear or worry, even if many people worry about their health, finances, education, jobs, or families. People with these disorders feel anxious in many situations, and their symptoms worsen over time. Anxiety disorder causes are unclear. Anxiety disorders can be caused by family traits, trauma, and medical issues. Anxiety can be tied to a deeper health issue. For others, anxiety symptoms and signs are the first signs of a serious illness. If your doctor thinks your anxiety has a medical cause, they may order tests. Throughout my reading and reflection on the studies, I found that early intervention is important to help individuals get the support they need. Early anxiety treatment eases symptoms and worries. If left unrecognized and untreated, anxiety can worsen over time.

Secondary (indirect) Trauma

ctowfeeq — 2025-02-17 05:18:16 UTC

Secondary trauma, sometimes known as second-hand PTSD, compassion fatigue, or secondary traumatic stress disorder, is a kind of trauma or distress indirectly experienced by hearing about or seeing the aftermath of a traumatic event via another person. Common causes of secondary traumatic stress disorder include exposure to details of others' traumatic events, such as sexual or physical assault, child abuse or neglect, motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters , terrorist attacks, torture, violent or graphic deaths, near-death experiences, and war crimes.

(Alyssa, 2024)

Chronic Trauma

ctowfeeq — 2025-02-17 05:26:50 UTC

Chronic Trauma, the experience of having the same thing happen to them again and again is a traumatic one. Abuse in the home, witnessing abuse from a loved one, being homeless, being involved in war or combat, and other similar situations are all examples.

(Laderer, 2025)

Acute trauma

ctowfeeq — 2025-02-17 05:27:44 UTC

Acute trauma is trauma brought on by one single isolated incident that sets off that specific trauma. Research on acute trauma mass shootings have found risk factors for negative psychological consequences. Among these risk factors are being female, near the event, having more psychological symptoms prior to the incident, and lacking psychological and social support systems.

(Laderer, 2025)

Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-10 03:28:34 UTC

Developmental Discussion on Trauma

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-11 02:30:34 UTC

It was good research and I strongly believe more funded research should be put into Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) studies. Childhood is a critical period that shapes future health, behavior, and success, but toxic stress from hardships like poverty, racism, and instability can harm brain development, increase health risks, and cause lifelong challenges that can be passed down to future generations (National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, 2019). This reminds of intergenerational trauma, the transference of this effect is thought to be epigenetic, meaning that it affects the chemical marker for a gene rather than the gene itself. The trauma experienced by the older generation is translated into a genetic adaptation that can be passed on to successive generations. The transmission of trauma or its legacy, such as poverty, psychological effects of an injury or attack, and so on, is from the generation that experienced the trauma to subsequent generations (APA Dictionary of Psychology, 2023). With the knowledge from both terms the cycle of trauma which according through ACEs can continue throughout generation unless intention of other methods. For example like some kind of trauma informed care, mental health support and a nurturing environment that will help break the chain.

Traumatic Grief occurs when a person struggles to process their grief in a healthy way after experiencing a disaster, the loss of a loved one, or a loss of safety. When reminded of the event, it can trigger intense negative emotions. For example, someone who loses a loved one may avoid talking about them entirely as a way to cope.
Emotional Neglect happens when someone’s emotional needs are ignored or overlooked. This often occurs when a person, like a parent or guardian, fails to provide love, understanding, or attention. Emotional neglect is most common in childhood. For example, if a parent favors one child over another, the child who is ignored may have their emotional needs dismissed.
Burnout occurs when a person experiences emotional and mental exhaustion due to ongoing stress over an extended period. If the stress continues without relief, burnout can develop. This leads to a significant drop in motivation, making it harder to complete tasks. For example, an ER nurse working long hours and frequently witnessing traumatic events, such as severe injuries or death, may become emotionally numb and begin to dread going to work.

Children are more vulnerable to trauma because their brains are still developing at a young age. Many events they experience are new and can leave lasting impressions on their growth. When a child experiences trauma, it can stay with them, even if they don’t consciously remember it later, especially if the trauma is not properly addressed. Children depend on adults for safety and support, so if an adult is involved in the trauma, the child may develop distrust or other negative emotions. Without proper support, childhood trauma can have long-term effects on both mental and physical health.

Promoting community norms and creating safe spaces helps individuals feel secure and validated. Many programs focus on fostering safe environments, such as public education campaigns and mentoring programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that helps clients identify and change negative behaviors and thought patterns. The main idea is that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are closely linked, so changing negative thought patterns can lead to improved emotions and healthier behaviors.

Absolutely, it is important for health professionals to have trauma education. With trauma knowledge, we can better identify and understand trauma in our clients, allowing us to provide appropriate care. This education will also promote the use of trauma-based therapies and help increase awareness and acceptance of trauma informed practices within society. I believe mandatory trauma education should be implemented in every facility, possibly through regular team meetings. While counselors may learn about trauma during their training, ongoing workplace education as a team can lead to a more informed and collaborative approach.

As a future counselor, it is important for me to recognize trauma and grief in my clients so I can address their concerns and find the best methods to help them heal. This knowledge is crucial for creating safe and supportive spaces where clients feel understood and valued.

Psychological First Aid Online Certificate

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-11 02:40:27 UTC

Crisis Prevention and Threat Assessment

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-11 02:42:15 UTC

ABC Crisis Model

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-11 02:45:21 UTC

Reflection

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-11 03:22:03 UTC

As I was working on my Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders, I learned more about several conditions related to mental health. The assignment not only deepened my understanding of these problems but also allowed me look into their causes and the need of early intervention.

One aspect that really affected me was the way digital media, especially for young people, shapes mental health, Being always on social media, I have gone through periods of anxiousness and depressed thinking. Studies have linked growing mental health issues including anxiety and depression to higher use of social media. This emphasizes how desperately more easily available mental health resources are needed for next generations.

All things considered, this project strengthened my strong desire to work as a professional counselor helping others dealing with mental health problems. I want to learn more about trauma-informed treatment and crisis avoidance as I keep on this path of study. This will help me ensure that people dealing with mental health problems get the necessary treatment and offer them efficient help.

Reflection

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-11 03:41:55 UTC

ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) was a new learning topic for me, as no one in my home life openly discusses childhood trauma. Research on ACEs has highlighted how hardships in childhood, such as poverty, emotional neglect, and physical abuse, can have long-term psychological and physical consequences. I believe that more research should be dedicated to ACE studies, as it reinforces the importance of trauma-informed care and a nurturing environment. Increased awareness and education on ACEs can help break the cycle of trauma or, at the very least, help individuals understand and process their experiences.

For this assignment, I chose to analyze the Netflix documentary I Am a Killer, Season 2, Episode 1: "In Her Hands." I found it particularly interesting how the documentary initially focused on Lindsey’s point of view before later shifting to the victim’s family's perspective. The stark contrast between the two narratives was eye-opening. As a viewer, I initially felt sympathetic toward Lindsey, but after hearing Robby’s family share their side of the story, my perspective shifted. This challenged my understanding of what is black and white when it comes to crime, trauma, and intent.

From this documentary, I have come to realize the importance of trauma education in professional counseling. Had Lindsey received proper mental health support, the outcome of her life and that of Robby could have been vastly different. However, she lacked access to the necessary resources at a crucial time. As a future counselor, my goal is to ensure I am equipped with the right tools to identify, assist, and address clients like Lindsey, as well as victims like Robby. Understanding trauma, its effects, and its role in shaping decision-making is essential in providing effective and compassionate care.

Chart

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-11 19:57:42 UTC

Ethical Responsibilities of Clinicians During COVID-19

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-11 20:02:20 UTC

A Great Insight to Bipolar Disorder

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-11 20:07:51 UTC

Taking a look back at this Ted Talk can help a better understanding to bipolar disorder.

SMART Recovery Meeting

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-11 20:20:03 UTC

This is a valuable resource to keep on hand and recommend to others, as the site is dedicated to bringing people together to discuss their struggles.

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-11 22:16:32 UTC

This certificate acknowledges the participant's understanding of the material presented in the Trauma relate to COVID-19

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-11 22:22:37 UTC

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-11 22:23:47 UTC

Reflection

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-12 04:41:29 UTC

After earning my certification in Psychological First Aid (PFA), I completed online training as part of my course. Through this training, I gained valuable knowledge on how to support individuals in crisis situations and respond effectively to those experiencing distress. PFA is particularly useful in disaster recovery, public health emergencies, and other crises, helping survivors cope and regain stability. This training reinforced that PFA is not about diagnosing or treating mental health disorders but rather about providing practical support, ensuring safety, and fostering resilience in individuals affected by trauma. One of the most significant realizations I had was that people in crisis often just need someone they can rely on or a sense of stability to help them navigate their situation.

One of the key takeaways from this training was understanding PFA’s five core principles: safety, calm, connectedness, self-efficacy, and hope. These principles serve as the foundation for helping survivors manage emotional distress by instilling a sense of security, promoting healthy coping strategies, and strengthening community connections. I also learned the importance of clear communication and accurate information, as misinformation can heighten fear and anxiety during a crisis. Additionally, I found it essential that helping individuals reconnect with loved ones and their community plays a crucial role in emotional recovery.

Reflection

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-12 22:04:11 UTC

Participating in this group project on crisis prevention and threat assessment for human trafficking was an eye opening experience that deepened my understanding of the psychological, social, and structural factors that make individuals vulnerable to exploitation. Through our research, I learned about the tactics traffickers use to lure victims, the severe mental health consequences for survivors, and the critical role of multi-agency collaboration in crisis intervention. This project emphasized the importance of effective intervention strategies and the necessity of involving law enforcement, nongovernmental organizations, and mental health professionals to protect survivors without further endangering them.

Beyond the research, this project also highlighted the importance of teamwork and communication. Some decisions were made without full discussion, and my contributions were altered or left out. This experience taught me that speaking up and advocating for my input is essential in group work. Moving forward, I will ensure better communication to strengthen collaboration and project outcomes.

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-12 22:22:47 UTC

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-12 22:45:06 UTC

(Raphel, 2015)

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-12 22:47:33 UTC

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-12 22:49:15 UTC

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-12 22:53:06 UTC

The website serves as a valuable resource for finding a support group suited to Melynda’s age group. While it primarily caters to teenagers, it also offers options for young adults, making it a suitable platform for her needs.

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-12 23:02:24 UTC

The Mindful app is an excellent tool for Melynda to incorporate moments of relaxation into her daily routine. It offers features such as guided meditation, breathing exercises, and time management strategies, all of which can be highly beneficial for managing anxiety and improving sleep quality.

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-12 23:03:09 UTC

I have used the Tolan app, an AI-based platform that allows users to create a virtual friend for conversation. This could be a helpful tool for Melynda or clients like her, especially if she feels hesitant to open up to her friends. While I wouldn’t recommend it as her sole outlet for emotional expression, it can serve as an additional support resource when she needs a nonjudgmental space to process her thoughts.

Reflection

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-13 01:02:52 UTC

I chose Melynda’s case because I could relate to her struggles, having once been in a similar situation. I was curious to explore how a counselor could support her and what impact different approaches might have. Breaking down Melynda’s issues into physical, emotional, social, and mental categories helped me see how interconnected these challenges are. I realized that addressing one aspect, such as improving her diet and sleep, could positively affect the rest of her well-being. This exercise also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the client and the counselor in the healing process. Small, manageable steps, examples being creating a sleep plan or journaling can make a quite difference in a client’s progress.

Additionally, I gained a deeper appreciation for the counselor’s role in providing reassurance, guidance, and tailored tools to meet the client’s needs. I now understand the balance between offering professional support and empowering the client to take control of her own growth. Learning about different counseling methods, such as the miracle question, showed me how powerful simple yet thought-provoking strategies can be in helping a client gain clarity about their thoughts and emotions. This assignment reinforced the importance of a holistic, client-centered approach in counseling.

Ethical Codes Relevant to Counseling

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-13 03:23:12 UTC

There are rules in the ACA Code of Ethics about counselors' ethical duties. These include rules about the counseling relationship, privacy, professional responsibility, and how counselors should act when working with other professionals. Following this rule ensures that advisers are professional and look out for their clients' well-being.

Reflection on the Importance of Cultural Competence

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-13 03:35:13 UTC

Cultural understanding is crucial for providing meaningful and ethical counseling and support. By recognizing a client’s culture, values, beliefs, and life experiences, counselors can tailor their approach to meet the client’s unique needs. Without sufficient cultural awareness, there is a risk of misinterpreting a client’s experiences or imposing personal biases, which can erode trust and hinder progress in the counseling process.

One of the main reasons I encourage clients to explore different counselors is because personalities and therapeutic styles do not always align. This is a natural aspect of counseling, and as a future counselor, I would not take offense if a client seeks support from someone else. However, to minimize this mismatch, counselors must be culturally responsive, open to different forms of healing, and attuned to each client’s cultural identity.

A deeper understanding of cultural backgrounds allows counselors to develop more impactful techniques and interventions. It ensures that clients receive care that resonates with their values and lived experiences. Ultimately, cultural competence is not just an ethical requirement. It is a fundamental tool for delivering personalized, compassionate, and transformative care.

Referral processes

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-13 03:46:13 UTC

Identify Needs – Find out if the client needs therapy, peer support, educational tools, or self-help strategies.
Find and Suggest Resources – Look for trusted online support options and recommend them.
Explain and Encourage – Share how the resource can help and motivate the client to use it. (Talkspace, n.d.)

APA: References

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-13 03:52:26 UTC

Alyssa. (2024, November 5). Secondary trauma: Causes and symptoms. Mental Health Program at Banyan Treatment Centers. https://mentalhealth.banyantreatmentcenter.com/blog/secondary-trauma-symptoms/

American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ethics/2014-aca-code-of-ethics.pdf

American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). What is depression? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression#section_0

App Store. (2012, February 2). Headspace: Meditation & sleep. Apple App Store. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/headspace-meditation-sleep/id493145008

App Store. (2024, June 19). Tolan: Alien best friend. Apple App Store. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tolan-alien-best-friend/id6477549878

Attachment Project. (2024, July 11). Attachment trauma: What is it? Attachment Project. https://www.attachmentproject.com/psychology/attachment-trauma/

Barnett, A. (n.d.). Do no harm: Ethics for clinicians during COVID-19. Telemental Health Training. https://www.telementalhealthtraining.com/clinical-insights/do-no-harm-ethics-for-clinicians-during-covid-19

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2023, January 31). Substance use disorder. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/substance-abuse-chemical-dependency

Laderer, A. (2024, June 22). Abandonment trauma may be why relationships stress you out. Charlie Health. https://www.charliehealth.com/post/what-is-abandonment-trauma

Mayo Clinic. (2018, May 4). Anxiety disorders: Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961

MedlinePlus. (2024, May 16). Eating disorders. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved February 2, 2025, from https://medlineplus.gov/eatingdisorders.html

Mental Health First Aid. (2019, February 15). 5 surprising mental health statistics. Mental Health First Aid. https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2019/02/5-surprising-mental-health-statistics/

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (U.S.), Division of Violence Prevention. (2019). Preventing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs): Leveraging the best available evidence.

National Health Corps. (n.d.). [Image illustrating adverse childhood experiences] [Photograph]. National Health Corps. https://www.nationalhealthcorps.org/story/adverse-childhood-experiences

National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Depression. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression

National Institute of Mental Health. (2025, February). Anxiety disorders. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders

National Library of Medicine. (2023, October 24). Eating disorders. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/eatingdisorders.html

NCTSN Learning Center for Child and Adolescent Trauma. (n.d.). NCTSN Learning Center. National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). https://learn.nctsn.org/

Netflix. (2019). In her hands (Season 2, Episode 1) [TV series episode]. In N. Horn (Executive Producer), I Am a Killer. Netflix.

Otr/L, S. B. (2024, July 9). The difference between acute and chronic trauma. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/acute-trauma-vs-chronic-trauma-5208875

Raphel, S. (2015, March 2). Take the ACE quiz—and learn what it does and doesn’t mean. NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/02/387007941/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-mean

SMART Recovery. (n.d.). Meetings - SMART Recovery. SMART Recovery. https://smartrecovery.org/meeting

Specialized Treatment Early in Psychosis (STEP). (n.d.). What is psychosis. Yale School of Medicine. https://medicine.yale.edu/psychiatry/step/psychosis/#what-is-psychosis

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). Trauma-informed care in behavioral health services (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 57). Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207191/

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (n.d.). Disaster Distress Helpline for immediate crisis counseling. SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/disaster-distress-helpline

Suicide Prevention | Texas Health and Human Services. (n.d.). https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/mental-health-substance-use/mental-health-crisis-services/suicide-prevention

Talkspace. (n.d.). TalkSpace - #1 rated online therapy, 1 million+ users. Talkspace. https://www.talkspace.com/

TED-Ed. (2017, February 9). What is bipolar disorder? - Helen M. Farrell [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrWBhVlD1H8

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/ptsdcoach_app.asp

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-13 03:57:18 UTC

ctowfeeq — 2025-03-13 04:05:31 UTC

The app provides credible information on PTSD, effective therapies, and tools for symptom monitoring and tracking.

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ctowfeeq — 2025-03-13 04:26:46 UTC