NCJ Number
194753
Journal
Family Violence & Sexual Assault Bulletin Volume: 17 Issue: 4 Dated: Winter 2001 Pages: 17-21
Date Published
2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article focuses on issues emerging from the September terrorist events and dealing with traumatized individuals.
Abstract
The terrorist events have evoked a variety of cognitive and physiological reactions. After the initial shock, reactions may manifest in symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, hypervigilance, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and difficulty sleeping. Individuals may also report somatic symptoms, such as increased heart rate, fast respiration, muscle tension, or feeling cold. Behavioral reactions may include sleep disturbances such as hypersomnia, insomnia, and nightmares. It is helpful to remind clients that it is not unusual to experience psychological, physical, and behavioral reactions to traumatic circumstances. In addition to psychotherapy, useful suggestions to clients include explaining how to avoid both isolation and the suppression of painful feelings. It is also helpful to expound upon the need to exercise, try different approaches to relaxation, and to keep busy and interact with others. It is also beneficial to assist them to access spiritual beliefs that can provide reassurance or comfort. Clinicians themselves need to be mindful of their own responses as more of their clients react to the terrorist events. Some clients may be experiencing traumatic reactions while others may be re-traumatized and re-experiencing old traumas. It is important to remember that even though vicarious or secondary traumatization builds up gradually, over time, it may become perceptible in an unforeseen way. It is crucial for therapists to monitor their own reactions to avoid hurting the client and themselves. It is essential to increase opportunities for self-care and relaxation, and to focus on bringing balance to everyday life. This coupled with a strong foundation on trauma theory and proficient training in trauma treatment will maximize the practitioner’s healing capacity. 18 references