Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Answer to Question 1
Since Jacinta’s trauma is primarily with males, my first course of action would be to find away to transfer her out of the male dominated group and into a female group to minimize and/or eliminate any re-traumatization. I would create a safe, non judgemental space that would allow Jacinta to adjust to the program and address her specific needs. I would educate myself on Susto and Jacinta’s culture. I would listen to Jacinta’s story, validate her thoughts, feelings and experience. I would help her develop a safety plan and teach her basic coping skills that she can build upon while in therapy, such as grounding and mindfulness. I would also talk to her and her family about natural supports in and around Jacinta’s community to incorporate into her aftercare plan.Answer to Question 2
I would first educate myself about Susto and discuss with Jacinta her understanding and belief around Susto. I would approach this in a supportive, non-judgemental manner to promote a safe space for Jacinta to share her thoughts, feelings and beliefs.Answer to Question 3
I would refer Jacinta to the Seeking Safety (For Women’s) group within the agency to prevent any further delay in her treatment and limit the stressors associated with finding and obtaining another provider.Answer to Question 4
I have learned a great deal from this course and appreciate the information and tools offered. It has allowed me to identify some areas I wish to explore and improve on as a clinician. Thank you.Answer to Question 1
Hearing Christina’s story was hard. I found it difficult not to feel sad, helpless and angry all at the same time. It reinforced my belief that there was and still is a lack of education and training for trauma informed care and trauma informed services. Acting out was her “Cry for help”. Instead of believing her and helping her feel safe, and finding other ways to express her fear, anger and lack of trust, Christina was medicated and caged like an animal. If I was Christina’s counselor, I would first listen to her story, be sensitive and not minimize or disregard her thoughts, feelings and/or behavior. I would introduce simple grounding techniques (age appropriate) that she could use to help regulate her emotions (describe an object I see and see if she can guess what it is, draw/color a picture of her favorite animal, build something in the sand/dirt) to distract her from the fear and/or anger she is experiencing and then help her, at her own pace, move towards gaining trust in herself and others. At 6 years old, children need to feel safe. Instead of helping Christina feel safe, she was caged and medicated and most likely retraumatized.Answer to Question 2
Several of my clients have a history of trauma and some have a diagnosis for PTSD. I would use the PTSD checklist and the Life events checklist. The pros of using these tools is they can provide information you might not otherwise be aware of and/or could address while in therapy. The Cons of using these tools is they could trigger a client.Answers to Question 3
If I was Selena’s counselor, I would provide a safe environment for her to freely express her thoughts and feelings about the sexual assault. I would help her develop a safety plan and introduce her to other resources such as peer support. I would encourage her to talk with her Primary Care Doctor. I would help her process feelings of guilt so she can move forward in her life. I would help her develop a plan for bedtime that includes relaxing activities such as taking a bath before bed, meditation and/or listening to soothing music.Answer to Question 1:
Using these guidelines would allow consistency for clients, their families, staff and others to experience a safe and more supportive environment. In the Case Study, Larry did not use a trauma-informed and trauma-specific evidence-based intervention with his Client. Instead, he used an aggressive approach. I have worked in several agencies in which TIC is not practiced and its due to the lack of experience, training and supervision. In addition, the lack of staffing has become a huge issue. I have a small private practice and use a non-aggressive approach for addressing nonparticipation in treatment. I make it appoint to know my Clients and their histories so I know how to approach the non-compliance and assist in finding a solution. I also attend trainings and use Supervision to learn more about TIC.Answer to Question 2
I feel competent in Person-Centered planning, Culturally competent care and evidenced-based practices. I am working on Awareness of and commitment to counselor self-care practices. I believe these competencies are needed to provide trauma informed services to our clients.Answer to Question 3
Larry did not use a TIC approach with his client. It appears he relied on his expertise in the 12 step approach and his approach to his own recovery. He was not only confrontational with this Client, he also put her at risk for potential re-traumatization. He appears to lack knowledge of his clients past trauma which tells me, he either did not assess her properly and/or he has no knowledge, experience and/ or training in TIC. It appears his Supervisor recognizes a need for an intervention; however, the intervention needs to be more centered around trauma informed training as well as, developing the appropriate skills needed to provide a more mindful approach.Answer 1
The saddest part of watching video’s like this for me is, that change is not happening fast enough. Accountability is not being enforced. Why? Because there are too many rules, regulations, laws etc., that stand in the way of true progress. We spend more time completing paperwork, then we do meeting with our Clients and actually listening to them. I’m not saying this is the only barrier; however, it does play its part. I will say that the rules, regulations and laws that govern funding of programs, does make a difference; however, more has to happen. There is a lack of hands on training. We can read, watch videos and say we know what we are talking about; however, do we really? Remember that time when you were sitting with your client, listening to their story and all of a sudden, you realized, you had no business being in that room. Maybe you did, maybe you didn’t… either way, it takes time to learn, it takes time to practice… just like it takes time to heal. We adapt to things every day… our truth lies within us and if you are fortunately enough to hear our story, “You should Listen”.
Answer 2
I work in a MAT program. Our facilities dosing operations are from 5:00 am to 11:00 am. Every day of the week, we have at least one or two individuals who are three to four minutes late arriving to receive their daily dose of medication. The nurses, “Follow the rules to the letter.” They will lock the door, at 11:00 am sharp and no one is permitted to enter the facility to dose. The reaction from our Patients varies from name calling, yelling and screaming, to throwing objects at the windows and making verbal threats. Rarely, do we have a Patient accept the fact that they were late and go back to their vehicle and drive away without getting upset. I’m using this as an example because many if not all of our Patients have experienced trauma in some way, shape or form. When they are late to dosing, and are not allowed into the building, and no one goes out to talk to them. The Patient is reacting to the circumstances. We do not know if these circumstances are “Re-Traumatizing” our Patients or not. He/she could feel as if they are being punished, ignored or set up for failure. They could be terrified of relapsing. They could be afraid of going through withdrawal. Some of our Patients will say and/or do whatever it takes, including, threatening others to get their dose. And what do we do…
Answer 3
When I sit with a Client, I do not take notes. I listen, validate and when appropriate, use open ended questions to learn more. I’ve been fortunate enough to have had amazing supervisors throughout my career… however, my best teacher, was my childhood therapist. I never liked going to his office because he never looked at me… he was too busy writing in his note pad. I feared he was writing stuff down to tell my parents. When he greeted me, it was with a smile, but I never felt like I could trust him. These key principals are practiced in the agency I work for. When I meet with my Clients, my intention is to provide a safe environment for them to share their story. If you want honesty you need to practice it. If you want to empower, you need to foster it.
