A “trigger” is an emotional reaction (and/or cognitive dissonance) based on:

• Your values and beliefs,
•  A past event or interaction,
• An issue that you are sensitive about and/or 
• Course content you disagree with.

 A “trigger” can result from a smell, a memory, a song, a word or phrase etc. In social work/clinical terms a trigger can also cause someone who is in recovery to relapse or trigger an emotional reaction.

Then, write a reflective, 1st person paper that includes the following components:

1. Reflect on your personal reaction to a specific classroom discussion and/or specific course content around an area that is a “trigger” for you. 
2. Be specific about the content, the trigger, and your reaction by addressing the following:
   
   • Why you think you reacted the way you did?
   • How this might get in the way of working with particular clients/colleagues in the future?
   • What changes do you need to make to address your reaction surrounding the trigger in the future?

Paper Content and Format: 4 to 5 double-spaced pages, Times New Roman 12-point font with 1-inch margins.  Paper and references should follow APA format. Paper should be written in 1st person.

Assignment Suggestions:

• Use APA FORMAT [More clarifying details are also listed below.]
• If you so choose, you can structure your paper in this manner:

1. Describe the specific classroom discussion and/or specific course content around an area that is a “trigger” for you.

your text here

2. Describe your reaction(s) and the reason(s) you think you reacted the way you did.

your text here

3. Explain how the trigger and reaction(s) may get in the way of working with particular clients/colleagues in the future?

your text here

4. Describe the changes do you need to make to address your reaction surrounding the trigger in the future.

your text here

Then, include your references on a separate page.

Paper Format:

1. Students should format their title page, paper content, and reference page(s) according to the APA Publication Manual, 7th Edition.
2. You do not need an abstract or level 1, level 2, level 3, etc. headings. Instead, your paper should be a reflective, first-person paper with a cover page, your written content, and references listed at the end.

In-Text Citations and References:

1. Use at least three (3) references:
   •  course readings (attached), and
   • one (1) additional source (that is external).
2. In other words, there will be 3 entries on your list of references. You may use more, if you so choose.

• The paper should be 4 to 5 double-spaced pages in length.
• This 4 to 5 page limit does NOT include the cover page and the page(s) listing the references.