Support for Students Exposed to Trauma (SSET)
A School-Based Intervention Program for Trauma Support and Coping Skills
Support for Students Exposed to Trauma (SSET) is a school-based group intervention designed for students who have experienced traumatic events and are showing symptoms commonly associated with post-traumatic stress. This program provides structured, skill-building support to help students manage emotional and behavioral challenges so they can feel safer, more regulated, and more engaged in school.
As part of DISC Village’s school-based intervention programs, SSET delivers trauma-informed support directly within the school setting, reducing barriers to care and promoting early intervention.
What Is Support for Students Exposed to Trauma (SSET)?
SSET is a structured, evidence-informed program that supports students who may be experiencing trauma-related symptoms such as anxiety, withdrawal, or difficulty concentrating. The curriculum focuses on teaching PTSD coping mechanisms through a school-based program, helping students understand their reactions to trauma and develop practical tools to move forward.
SSET is delivered in a group format over 10 lessons, creating a supportive environment where students can learn, practice skills, and build resilience alongside peers with similar experiences.
How SSET Helps Students
Students who participate in Support for Students Exposed to Trauma learn a wide variety of skills to reduce current challenges, including:
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Withdrawal or isolation
- Depressed mood
- Acting out in school
- Impulsive or risky behavior
By addressing these concerns early, SSET helps students regain a sense of control, improve emotional regulation, and re-engage in learning.
Program Structure and Session Focus
SSET sessions are carefully designed to support trauma recovery in a developmentally appropriate, school-based setting.
Sessions Focus On:
- Common reactions to trauma
- Relaxation techniques
- Coping strategies
- Learning to approach difficult situations safely
- Developing a trauma narrative
- Problem-solving skills
These components work together to help students understand their experiences, reduce distress, and build confidence in managing challenging thoughts and emotions.
A School-Based Approach to Trauma Support
Providing trauma support directly in schools allows students to access help in a familiar, trusted environment. As a school-based intervention program, SSET:
- Reduces barriers to behavioral health support
- Reinforces coping skills in real-world school settings
- Supports both emotional well-being and academic engagement
- Promotes consistency and early intervention
This approach helps students feel supported without requiring them to leave the school environment to receive care.
Evidence-Informed and CBITS-Aligned
Support for Students Exposed to Trauma (SSET) is a close adaptation of Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS), a well-researched, evidence-based model delivered by mental health professionals. While CBITS has a more extensive evidence base, SSET builds on the same core principles and skills, offering a developmentally appropriate option for schools seeking effective trauma-informed programming.
By aligning with CBITS, SSET reflects best practices in school-based trauma intervention and prevention-focused care.
Why School-Based Trauma Intervention Matters
Unaddressed trauma can affect a student’s behavior, relationships, and ability to learn. Programs like SSET help students develop PTSD coping mechanisms through school-based support, reducing long-term impacts and supporting healthier outcomes.
Early, compassionate intervention helps students:
- Feel safer and more understood
- Build emotional regulation skills
- Strengthen peer and adult relationships
- Stay engaged in school and learning
Learn More About Support for Students Exposed to Trauma (SSET)
If you are a school, caregiver, or community partner seeking support for students exposed to trauma, DISC Village is here to help. SSET is one way we provide meaningful, evidence-informed support that meets students where they are and helps them develop skills for long-term well-being.