Description:
This webinar addresses the centrality of the trauma story in the healing of survivors of torture. It is well known that there is some discomfort and fear on the part of clinicians in listening to the trauma story of highly traumatized clients. There are many barriers to overcome, including the high emotional empathic distress in listening to the trauma story for therapists. In addition, traumatized clients may not be ready to tell their trauma story, because of high levels of physical, emotional, and spiritual arousal. Once trust has been established with the client, and the high emotional arousal of storytelling has been reduced, the trauma story can emerge.
This webinar dives deep into an understanding of the trauma story and its use in a therapeutic relationship and insight on the significant scientific advances in the use of reflective writing with traumatized clients.
An innovative Trauma Story Pocket Card will be introduced that demonstrates the steps that need to be taken in the therapeutic use of the trauma story. This Trauma Story Pocket Card, which is culturally validated and evidence-based, is offered to all participants attending the webinar. The recorded session included a one-hour lecture presentation, followed by a thirty-minute Q&A session.
Objectives:
After attending this webinar, participants will:
- Acquire the skills for using the Trauma Story successfully in diagnosis and treatment.
- Be able to use the Trauma Story Method to help clients better understand and recover from their traumatic experiences.
- Understand and use reflective writing to help your clients explore their feelings related to their traumatic experiences.
- Understand how reflective writing can assist in the Trauma Story Method.
Resources
- Trauma Story Pocket Card: Image, PDF
- PowerPoint of Presentation: 1 slide per page, 3 slides per page
- “Healing Invisible Wounds: Paths to Hope and Recovery in a Violent World”, Richard F. Mollica, Available on Amazon.com
- “Global Mental Health: Trauma and Recovery”, Richard F. Mollica, Available on Lulu.com
- “Trauma Story Assessment and Therapy”, Richard F. Mollica, Available on Lulu.com
- “A Manifesto: Healing a Violent World”, Richard F. Mollica, Editor, Available on Amazon.com
- “Manifesto IV Healing a Violent World: The Will to Heal and Survive in an Apocalyptic World”, Richard F. Mollica, MD, MAR and Marjorie Agosín, PhD, Available from Lulu.com
Presenters:
-
Richard F. Mollica , Director, Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma (HPRT)
-
Eugene F. Augusterfer, LCSW , Deputy Director, Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma (HPRT)