**10. Phase I**

There are many important components of the first phase. One is to take a history of the patient making sure to note previous abuse incidents and outcomes. Assessment should include patient symptomatology, previous treatment and/or hospitalizations, family history and current contact, health history, and vocational status. Psychoeducation includes defining and normalizing triggers, flashbacks, dissociative symptoms and problems in controlling emotions as part of the normal reaction to traumatic events, and can reveal strengths. Ford et al (2005) state, "The client's response to education also reveals strengths that can become a basis for overcoming helplessness without invalidating unmet dependency needs" (p. 438) ( See also Steele, Van der Hart, Nijemhuis, 2001). Safety is established in this phase and issues such as suicidality, and maladaptive behaviors such as unhealthy risk taking and self-harm are addressed (Pearlman & Courtois, 2005; Ford, et al, 2005). The patient will learn and practice skills to manage these symptoms as necessary preparation for phase two: trauma treatment. In this phase collaboration with existing support networks or developing them begins (Ford et al, 2005).
