Crisis Trauma Response

Examples of Traumatic Events

A natural disaster is the 2001 terrorist attack in which a plane was hijacked, and two planes were flown into the Twin Towers in New York City. This event affected a large number of people, including victims, their families, and first responders. Many people are terrified of flying and suffer from PTSD. Many victims who were trapped in the rubble, as well as first responders who rescued them or found the deceased victims, suffer from flashbacks and traumatic event-based fear. Many victims also suffer from anxiety-related stress.

A personal traumatic event would be the death of a child or the death of a parent as a child. I believe that losing someone who is psychically and emotionally close to you can be traumatizing to family members and close friends. Sudden loss or someone becoming terminally ill can also be difficult for family members and close friends because they do not want to see someone they care about suffer. Many things can happen as a result of traumatic events, including flashbacks, fearfulness, nervousness, and anxiety. This will have an impact on their reaction to traumatic events.

Traumatic Events and Their Potential Effects

Many people around the world have been traumatized by traumatic events, and many of them now suffer from PTSD. “Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was most commonly observed (74% of the studies reviewed)3,4 and was considered to be “probably the most debilitating psychological disorder that occurs after traumatic events and disasters. Depression, nonspecific distress, and anxiety were also reported as mental health outcomes.” David, Sharon, and Ruth (2007), page 12. Many survivors may also lack coping skills and allow their anxiety and fear to paralyze them. Many victims, survivors, and first responders report feeling emotionally trapped and unable to move forward. Furthermore, many survivors face barriers to communication and appropriate interactions with others.

The Function of Counselors

Counselors must be trained and prepared to handle trauma and crisis situations. It is critical to stay current with research and counseling techniques because serious harm can be done when the counselor in the counselor-client relationship tries to constantly fix a traumatic situation. When a client is experiencing trauma or crisis, we as counselors must remember to lend an empathetic ear, as well as caring and supportive understanding. When the counselor is attempting to build rapport with the client, positive and motivating communication must emerge.

In addition, the counselor must take care of himself or herself by engaging in self-care. This is considered a preventative measure for secondary traumatic stress and crisis. “Self-care should be part of a balanced life that includes personal counseling, exercise, engaging in non-work-related activities, teaching friends and colleagues to be supportive, [and] developing spirituality, whether religious, meditative, tai chi, journaling, or anything self-soothing.” 2007 (Shallcross). When a client is experiencing a traumatic situation or a life-altering crisis, he or she should be able to debrief with the counselor. Counselors also provide a safe space for clients to express their feelings about natural disasters or emotional crises.

Many people were devastated on 9/11 because they had lost family members and loved ones as a result of the terrorist attack. First responders searched for missing bodies and occasionally discovered survivors. Many survivors and victims were seriously injured and died as a result of the crush injuries. Many family members and survivors recall the event as if it happened yesterday. We must assist clients in navigating their emotions during a period of shock and emotional pain. Understanding emotional pain and how organizations can help can assist the counselor in connecting survivors with available resources and support in the community (Shellcross. 2012).

Counselors create VT, STS, and useful interventions.

Just because the counselor does not directly experience the trauma does not mean that it does not affect anyone else. Many counselors try to empathize with their clients and their situations. Counselors become motivated to help their clients after hearing story after story, but they become frustrated with the situation because they are so different in how a response would have been handled. “VT is a normal reaction to ongoing challenges to a helper’s beliefs and values, but it can result in decreased motivation, efficacy, and empathy” (Baird & Kracen, 2006, pg.182)

Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) is defined as a disorder experienced by those who support or assist those suffering from PTSD. Working with family members and close friends of someone who has experienced a tragedy or traumatic experience frequently causes exhaustion, hypervigilance, avoidance, and numbing. Many counselors develop STS after hearing stories about what happened on 9/11. Because of the graphic descriptions of the events provided by first responders and survivors, many of the counselors experienced PTSD symptoms.

Counselors who have experienced STS must be aware of their limitations and capable of engaging in self-care. For example, suppose we had a client who was a first responder to the 9/11 attacks. The counselor would need to understand what they are capable of by either recommending professional mental health services or using a specific intervention such as narrative exposure and CBT, which focuses on preventing negative reactions to traumatic situations. Because there are consequences for every action, we as counselors can learn coping skills in continuing education classes and at school. Participating in self-care and continuing education classes allows the counselor’s skills to be improved and expanded upon.

References

Baird, K., & Kracen, A. C. (2006). Vicarious traumatization and secondary traumatic stress: A research synthesis*. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 19(2), 181-188. doi:10.1080/09515070600811899

David, S., Sharon, F., & Ruth, B. (2007). Natural and Manmade Disasters and Mental Health. JAMA: The Journal Of The American Medical Association, (21), 2540.

Shallcross, L. (2012, February). A calming presence. Counseling Today. Retrieved from http://ct.counseling.org/2012/02/a-calming-presence/

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