Transcript
Page 1: Trauma, Grief, and Loss

Trauma, Grief, and Loss

Greg Bohall, M.S., C.R.C., CADC-II

Page 2: Trauma, Grief, and Loss

Nature of Trauma Experiencing the event Witnessing in person Learning that the event(s) occurred to a close relative

or close friend; in such cases, the actual or threatened death must have been violent or accidental.

Experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of the event(s) (first responders, police officers repeatedly answering child abuse calls);does not apply to exposure through electronic media (television, movies, pictures) unless it’s work related.

(Small, 2011)

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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder The essential feature of PTSD is the

development of symptoms following exposure to an extreme traumatic stressor. The response involves intense fear, helplessness,

or horror. Symptoms resulting from exposure to the extreme

trauma include persistent re-experiencing of the event.

Persistently avoiding of stimuli associated with the trauma

Persistent symptoms of increased arousal. Must be present for more than one month. Must cause significant distress or impairment in

social, occupational or other important areas of functioning.

(American Psychiatric Association, 2000)

Page 4: Trauma, Grief, and Loss

Trauma and PTSD PTSD is a significant potential negative outcome of

trauma exposure. Not all individuals exposed to trauma develop PTSD. A growing body of research is showing that the

cumulative effects of prior traumas contribute to PTSD symptoms.

Exposure to multiple traumas has been shown to have a stronger effect on subsequent PTSD symptoms than an exposure to one single trauma.

Researchers have also considered the possibility that prior trauma exposure may be a resource for coping with future life stressors.

(Schuster, Park, & Frisman, 2011)

Page 5: Trauma, Grief, and Loss

Why does PTSD Develop? Failure to process trauma successfully

Trauma does not fit our understanding of reality. Causes most people distress and conflict.

An invalidating environment “It didn’t happen”

Not everyone responds to anxiety the same Coping mechanisms

(Small, 2011)

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Posttraumatic Growth The experience of positive psychological

change following highly challenging and traumatic life circumstances. Relating to others New possibilities Personal strength Spiritual change Appreciation of life

Posttraumatic Growth tends to help people grow through PTSD.

(Small, 2011)

Page 7: Trauma, Grief, and Loss

Resiliency The ability to sustain trauma without

developing PTSD

Less likely to see the trauma as a threat to self therefore they are less likely to need to make meaning of a situation. Many times don’t address the situation.

Tends to be related to certain personal characteristics: optimism, coping, positive affect.

(Small, 2011)

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Psychological First Aid Help them decide what type of help they need.

Provide comfort and validation.

Provide information.

Reduce stigma.

Don’t force disclosure.

(Litz, 2004)

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Discussion Questions What kind of trauma are you seeing in the

homeless population?

What kinds of things can you do on the street that can be helpful to people having symptoms due to a trauma?

How can you improve your personal reactions to hearing some of the trauma people are going through?

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ReferencesAmerican Psychiatric Association (2000). Diagnostic and

statistical manual of mental disorders- fourth edition-text revision. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association.

Litz, B. T. (2004). Early intervention for trauma and traumatic loss. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.Schuster, J., Park, C.L., & Frisman, L. K. (2011). Trauma exposure and ptsd symptoms among homeless mothers: Predicting coping and mental health outcomes. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 30 (8).Small, K. (2011). Cognitive-behavioral approaches to treating ptsd: Empirically based treatment techniques. Brentwood, TN:

Cross Country Education.


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