Before You Begin

We all develop unwritten rules about how to navigate relationships, expectations and the world around us. We might learn to keep the peace, take responsibility for others, work hard for approval or manage difficulties alone. These responses can become so familiar that we rarely question them, even when our circumstances have changed.

The Trauma Contract is the central idea explored in the book of the same name: through our experiences, we may learn unwritten rules about how to stay safe, belong or feel valued. These rules can become familiar responses, such as taking responsibility for everyone, avoiding disagreement or feeling that we must always achieve. They may bring real strengths, but can also limit our choices when circumstances change. The Contract Profile is the reflective questionnaire developed from this concept. It helps you recognise some of these possible learned patterns, rather than diagnosing trauma or defining your personality.

Your Contract Profile helps you explore which of these patterns feel familiar in your life today. Your answers are reflected through three animal Contracts: your Primary, Secondary and Additional Influence. Together they form your Contract herd. The free results introduce each influence, while the full profile explores how they may work together in your family, work and relationships, including the strengths you may wish to keep and the expectations you might choose to renegotiate.

The Trauma Contract is also the title of a forthcoming book exploring this concept in greater depth. You do not need to read the book to complete the questionnaire. The Contract Profile is intended for personal reflection, not diagnosis, and it cannot establish what happened in your past or explain every reason for your behaviour. You do not need to recall or describe a traumatic experience.

As you answer, focus on what you usually do rather than what you think you should do. Try not to overthink each statement: your first honest, gut reaction is often a useful starting point. If something needs a little thought, or your response depends on the situation, take a moment and choose what feels most representative of how you generally respond. There are no right or wrong answers, and no Contract you need to aim for.

The questionnaire contains 198 short statements followed by 12 scenarios and will take approximately 10–12 minutes to complete (an initial estimate; individual times will vary). Your progress is saved on this device so you can return later. When you finish, your answers are sent securely to calculate your result, and you are not asked for your name. Take your time.