Glossary
Welcome to our glossary of terms related to trauma-informed exercise. We feel strongly that it's important to have a shared understanding of the language used in this field. This glossary is designed to provide clear and concise definitions of key terms, helping you better understand your own experiences and the practices that can support your healing process.
A
ACES
Adaptation: The process of adjusting to new or different conditions. In a trauma-informed context, it can refer to the body's ability to adapt to stress or trauma, often through physical or emotional changes.
Anxiety: A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, often about something with an uncertain outcome. In trauma survivors, anxiety can manifest as hyper-vigilance, intrusive thoughts, or panic attacks.
Attachment Theory: A psychological theory that focuses on the importance of early attachments to caregivers in shaping later relationships and emotional development.
Attention Seeking: A behavior often associated with trauma, where individuals may seek attention to feel safe and validated.
Avoidant: A coping mechanism where individuals avoid situations or people that trigger traumatic memories or emotions.
B
Boundaries: Limits or expectations that individuals set to protect their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Body Image: A person's perception of their own body, including feelings and thoughts about their appearance and how they think others perceive them. In trauma-informed practice, it's important to address body image issues, as trauma can often negatively impact how individuals view their bodies.
Burnout: A state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress.
C
C-DevT: Complex Developmental Trauma, a type of trauma that occurs over an extended period, often during childhood, and involves multiple traumatic events.
C-PTSD: Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a mental health condition characterized by a range of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, difficulty regulating emotions, and problems with relationships.
Co-regulation: The process of regulating one's emotions and physiological state through interaction with another person.
Co-morbid: The simultaneous occurrence of two or more disorders or illnesses in the same person.
Coping: Strategies used to deal with stress or difficult situations.
Cueing: Providing verbal or physical instructions to guide movement and exercise.
D
Depression: A mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest.
Developmental Trauma: Trauma that occurs during childhood and can have lasting effects on physical and mental health.
Difficult Client: A term often used to describe clients who exhibit challenging behaviors or are difficult to work with. In a trauma-informed approach, such clients are viewed as individuals struggling with the impact of trauma.
Dissociation: A mental process where a person disconnects from their thoughts, feelings, memories, or sense of identity.
Dysregulation: A state of emotional or physiological imbalance, often characterized by difficulty managing emotions or physical sensations.
E
Exercise: Physical activity that is planned, structured, and repetitive, and aims to improve or maintain physical fitness.
H
Hyper/Hypo Arousal: A state of heightened or lowered arousal, often associated with trauma. Hyperarousal can manifest as anxiety, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, while hypoarousal can lead to fatigue, apathy, and withdrawal.
I
Integrative Health: A holistic approach to health and wellness that combines conventional medicine with complementary therapies.
L
Labels: Diagnostic categories used to describe mental health conditions.
M
Meltdown: An intense emotional episode characterized by overwhelming feelings and behaviors.
Mind-Body Connection: The relationship between mental and physical health. Trauma can disrupt this connection, leading to physical symptoms such as chronic pain or digestive issues. Exercise can help re-establish this connection.
N
NCTSN: National Center for Trauma-Informed Care, an organization dedicated to promoting trauma-informed care.
Neuroplasticity: The brain's ability to change and adapt throughout life. Exercise can stimulate neuroplasticity, helping individuals to heal from trauma and build new neural pathways.
P
Pathology: The scientific study of disease.
PTSD: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a mental health condition triggered by a terrifying event.
S
Self-care: Practices that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Sensory Integration: The neurological process of organizing sensory input from the body and environment.
Somatic Experiencing: A body-centered therapy approach that helps people resolve trauma and other stress disorders. It involves working with bodily sensations to process and release traumatic memories.
Soothing: Calming and comforting techniques, often used to regulate emotions and reduce stress.
Strength Training: A type of exercise that involves lifting weights to build muscle strength.
Stress: A state of mental or emotional tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.
Stress - Chronic: Prolonged or excessive stress that can negatively impact physical and mental health.
Survival: The ability to stay alive. In a trauma context, survival can involve extreme measures to protect oneself.
Symptoms: Signs and indicators of a disease or disorder.
T
T DESNOS: Trauma and Domestic Experiences of Sexual and Non-Sexual Abuse.
T Historical: Historical Trauma, collective trauma experienced by a group of people due to historical events.
T Intergenerational: Intergenerational Trauma, the transmission of trauma across generations.
T Race Identity: Racial Trauma, trauma resulting from racism and discrimination.
Trauma: A deeply distressing or disturbing experience.
Trauma-Informed: An approach to care that recognizes the prevalence of trauma and incorporates knowledge about its effects into policies, practices, and programs.
Trigger: A stimulus that can provoke a strong emotional response, often related to a past traumatic event. Exercise can be a helpful tool for managing triggers and reducing their impact.
V
Vagal (Polyvagal) Theory: A neurophysiological theory that explains how the nervous system regulates arousal and responds to stress.
Vicarious Trauma: A type of secondary trauma that can occur when helping professionals work with people who have experienced trauma.
W
Weight Lifting: A form of strength training that involves lifting weights to build muscle mass and strength.
Window of Tolerance: A state of optimal arousal where individuals can effectively regulate their emotions and respond to stress.
Withdrawn: A state of social withdrawal or isolation, often associated with trauma.
Stay trauma-informed with
our monthly newsletter.
You can unsubscribe at any time. We do not sell your information.
2024 TRAUMA INFORMED WEIGHT LIFTING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TIWL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
website by hornsteindigital.com