Installation Ministry Team Training October 2012 Understanding Trauma Installation Ministry Team Training October 2012

Definitions Trauma Disorders Distortion “Trauma is caused by a stressful occurrence that is outside the range of usual human experience, and that would be markedly stressful to anyone” - Peter Levine Disorders The effect of trauma that leads to debilitation that significantly hampers a person’s ability to function Depression, pathological grief, anxiety, avoidance, phobia, PTSD Distortion The effect of trauma that has not disabled or hindered a person’s ability to function, yet they are negatively influenced in the way they view and respond to aspects of life The effects of trauma on our beliefs, emotions, and behaviors that do not significantly hamper one’s ability to function

Typology of Trauma Type A: Not getting what a child needs in the early stages of life Safe environment, love, nurture, value, community Type B: Getting what a child does not need in the early developmental stages of life Physical, emotional, sexual, verbal abuse Type C: Event-based trauma Involved in or witness death, carnage, accident, etc. Type D: Betrayal trauma Personal or institution you should trust breaks your trust Type E: Sustained duress Persistent exposure to potential harm over time

Self-soothing Behaviors From Root to Surface Trauma Self-soothing Behaviors Trauma Emotional Pain Distortions Trauma Disorders Observable May not observe

Disorders (Self-Soothing / Dysfunctional Behaviors) Drug / Alcohol Abuse Violent / aggressive actions Over / under eating Video games / internet / TV Exercise Work-a-holism Sexual ‘addictions’ Shopping / over spending / debt Gambling Adrenaline-junkie activities Isolation / withdraw ANY BEHAVIOR CAN BE A ‘DRUG’ OR AVOIDANCE MECHANISM

How Trauma Affects Our Being body feeling mind spirit relations job

Bad News Time alone does not heal trauma Avoiding trauma does not heal it Trauma compounds and resonates Self-soothing often creates more trauma Trauma can not be healed alone You will never forget trauma

Good News Trauma can be healed Effects of trauma can be diminished and relieved There is a process to heal (not just cope with) trauma A holistic approach is the fastest way to heal trauma There are professionals who can help You will not forget, but the pain and discomfort can be healed

Variables in Processing Trauma Developmental stage Temperament Previous wounding or stressful experiences Context of the event How it was handled by others Meaning attached to the event

Memory and Trauma Informational memory (Semantic) Pattern Memory (Procedural) Episodic Memory (Events) Images, Feelings, Actions, Senses, Meaning Episodic Memory trumps informational, pattern, and other episodic memories Trauma is stored in the ‘right-brain’, it is an episodic memory Healing trauma must include right-brain functions

Healing Trauma Structure Patience Safe Place Good diet, exercise, hydration, sleep Calming environment Professional help for each dimension of our being Community of acceptance and support Spiritual Resources A New Episodic Memory that trumps the trauma Help from someone who cares

Leadership Soldiers are not necessarily responsible for their trauma; they are responsible for engaging, treating, and healing trauma Trauma and its effects, including PTSD, is not an excuse for behaviors, but it can explain it Listening and seeking to understand those affected by trauma is the first and best course of action for a leader Judgments, marginalizing, and assumptions will destroy your Soldier and undermine your ability to lead others

Leadership Know the difference between weakness and wounds; trauma is always a wound issue Know your Soldiers: history, family, life context Recognize symptoms point to deeper wounds (root causes) Give compassion for the wound; treat the wound (80%) Correct dysfunctional behaviors (symptoms)(20%)

Leadership Realize the Soldier may not understand what is happening let alone how to deal with it; that’s where you come in Provide direction and motivation for the healing process Get involved; initiate contact with your Soldier Encourage accountable self-referrals when possible Know healing is a process; it takes time and work

Leader Resources Unit Chaplains CPE/Hospital Chaplain 435-6183/6661 (Hospital); 767-2907 (WTB) Family Life Chaplain 767-8549 Emergency After-hours On-Call Duty Chaplain (thru IOC) 767-8666 Psychologist- Behavioral Talk-therapy 767-7301 (Division); 767-1647 (all other Soldiers) Physician / Psychiatrist- right medications TMC appt. 435-6633 Military One Source Counseling 800-464-8107 Fraser Center 912-369-7777 (via Tricare referral or out of pocket) Military Family Life Consultants 432-8980 Civilian Minister (trained and experienced in healing trauma)