Chapter 2: Trauma Awareness
In this section, we explored the different types of trauma and their general characteristics. I was surprised to discover how many forms of trauma exist and that they can be experienced on an individual, group, community, or mass level. This is an important distinction because it influences the kind of treatment a person will receive. For instance, people who survive individual trauma are likely to suppress their emotions and receive less support from others in comparison to victims of mass trauma. It was also interesting to learn how sociocultural and individual factors can impact a person’s experience of trauma. For instance, men are more likely to experience PTSD, while women are more likely to be the victims of sexual assault. I was dismayed to learn that trauma can result from so many sources, some of which are unavoidable. Consequently, we must find ways to manage or treat traumas since not all of them can be evaded.
Understanding the characteristics of trauma and the different kinds that exist will help me in my future career. For instance, I would treat people who have experienced individual trauma differently than those that have experienced mass trauma. The former may require more support than the latter because they may feel that what they are undergoing is unique to them. Additionally, I will be better-skilled to assist patients without retraumatizing them. I have learned that when professionals fail to provide adequate care to patients, they could feel as if they are reliving a traumatic event. Knowledge of the characteristics of trauma will enable me to help patients better. For instance, factors such as whether the trauma was expected or unexpected, isolated or pervasive, and intentional or accidental influence the kind of support a patient requires. Overall, I have learned that it is crucial to have a theoretical understanding of traumas to provide practical help to patients.
Chapter 6: Trauma-Specific Services
I have discovered that there are many forms of therapy depending on the trauma. Arguably, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most famous, and there are many variations of this intervention. Some forms of CBT include narrative therapy, stress inoculation training (SIT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). These interventions are aimed at helping patients be aware of their emotions and how to control them. A therapist determines the most appropriate approach depending on their assessment of the patient and the situation. I was also intrigued to learn that there are models that take an intersectional approach to address the co-occurrence of certain conditions. For instance, substance dependence PTSD therapy helps individuals who experience PTSD and have a substance use disorder. I think this integrated approach can be more helpful than attempting to treat each condition separately. Finally, it is interesting to note that some therapies, such as couple and family therapy and pharmacological therapy, which were considered emerging interventions, are now widely accepted.
I will apply the knowledge I have gained when working with clients in the future. I am now more suited to advise them on the best course of treatment. For instance, I can recommend SIT for a patient who has undergone a traumatic incidence such as rape. Additionally, I have learned new treatment models that I was not aware of before. The therapy that struck me the most is the addiction and trauma recovery integrated model (ATRIUM). I was drawn to this model because it is relevant in treating various issues, including depression, self-harm, physical ailments, sexuality, and spiritual disconnection. It is a relatively straightforward intervention that follows defined steps and yields a multitude of benefits. I am certain it will be relevant to my interaction with patients in the future. I look forward to applying what I have learned in this unit.
Reference
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series 57. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 13-4801. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2014.