Crisis And Trauma Counseling Summary

Summary

The Complete Guide to Crisis and Trauma Counseling: What to Do and Say When it Matters Most! The title is quit self-explanatory. The author, Dr. H. Norman Wright begins this helpful guide with his own first time personal experience with crisis and trauma. His experience pressed him to "begin a lifelong journey of learning" so he could help others during their times of crisis and traumatic events. Dr. Wright then goes on to define what a crisis is. It is explained that a crisis is, "When a problem is overwhelming, or when our support system - within ourselves or from others - doesn't work, we are thrown off balance. These unfortunate events are unavoidable, and as counselors or future counselors we should be prepared to handle situations

that may come about throughout our careers. The book the goes on to provide us with biblical principles, and how to apply them in our careers and to those who have experienced a crisis or suffering from a traumatic event.
Everyone faces fears and challenges in their careers.

Dr. Wright educates his readers how to develop skills for working with victims of crisis and trauma through biblical principles. It is important that we learn these skills because counselees need their counselor's “encouragement and faith to help move along. Some need their sense of faith and hope in the Lord— and in the future— to carry them until their own faith and hope build and they can rely upon their own inner strength.”

When a person is in crisis or traumatized, our words, tone of voice and suggestions have a far greater impact than at other times in life. The author explains that during the crucial times everything a counselor does is vital. Counselors should be actively listening and thinking during contact with victims, providing them with empathy and showing them you understand with they are doing through.

It is important that counselors build a relationship with their clients. They have to be able to understand how they view things, and this may vary due to age, sex, culture, or religion. We also must be able to understand people's feelings and emotions. Dr. Wright uses the scriptures to show his readers how Jesus met individuals where they were and accepted them into his loving arms. Although everyone is held accountable for their actions, Jesus is willing to help them. We should do the same throughout work to help individuals heal, grow, and move on from their

hurt.
Concrete responses
“The brain is like a video camera it tapes in stores not only what it sees but also what it feels.”
17 years ago, I lost my mother due to colon cancer. My life has never been the same since she passed away. I was five years old when my mother was first diagnosed with cancer. I remember the constant doctor visit. There were times when days would go by and I could not see her. I would go from family member to family member and I hated it. My mother was my best friend and not being able to see her or be around her was very hurting for me. Before my mother approached her last stage of cancer, she made sure I was the happiest little girl alive. Anything I want it, it was mine. She made sure those last moments with me were very special. She planned a big trip for us to go to Disneyland! Although I know it must have taken a lot out of her, she made sure I am joyed every moment of it. As time went on and her cancer progressed I started seeing her less and less. I started crying more often because I knew she was sick and I just want to be there to take care of her. When the doctor told her there was no more they could do my father came to California and brought me to Louisiana. It was like my world was crashing down. My mother came later when she was in good strength, and April 2, 1999 my mother passed away at a rehabilitation center. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I came home from school and my father in on it sat me down and told me "Tiff your mother passed away." At first it did not sink in that she was gone and was not coming back, until the day of her funeral. Seeing her in a casket really made me grasp the concept that she was gone and she was not coming back. I cried and cried for months, and still cry at times. Mother's Day was really hard for me to handle when I was younger. I felt like I was alone, because my best friend, my mother was no longer in my life. As time went on I started changing. I became very quiet and to myself. I felt like no one understood what it was like to be in my shoes.
Reflection
Towards the beginning of the reading, Dr. Wright mentions that, “Losses, crises and traumas are part of life. They should be anticipated and expected to occur. They are inevitable. It used to be that traumatic events weren’t as common, but that has changed. (120)I agree that tragic events happen all the time in life and they are unavoidable. I feel that traumatic events have happened just as much in the past as they do now. The holocaust, slavery, world wars, and Great Depression are just as traumatic as the bomb threats, shootings, and plane crashes of today. In the past events like this were not as televised as they are to today but the effects of these horrible events are still the same. People still ask, "Why is this happening?"
Although, slavery has been abolished many years ago there are people who feel like they still are experiencing the bondage of slavery. They come to us seeking help and want to know, "Why is this so?" If God created everyone equally, why are people still acting like they are in control of their life? Why is my life not worth the same as their life?" Clients come in with challenging questions like this and other things. As a Christian counselor how do we handle this? I feel that Dr. Wright could have elaborated on reasons God allow things to happen, but a lot of clients come in with the question, "Why?"
Another quote that raised my interested was, “Important principles to follow in all of our counseling practices are honesty and acceptance. Proverbs 28: 23 states, “In the end, people appreciate frankness more than flattery” (TLB). Proverbs 27: 5 says, “Open rebuke is better than hidden love!” I understand that honesty is important. It makes one aware of what is really happening. But, when is it appropriate to be open and honest with a client and say “This is what really is going on, and if you do not make a change other things can happen?" I feel that it would be more dangerous to call a client out. To "openly rebuke" someone could be embarrassing or shameful to them. As a counselor when do you take this risk? Your client can feel like they're being judged, and start to no longer feel comfortable with you. Clients can regress, and start to blame themselves for things that are happening due whatever it is you said. I think this is a risky approach, and the author should elaborate a little more on when this would be appropriate and how to do it.
Application
I am currently an outreach advocate and an emergency shelter for battered women and children.

I see different clients every day, and I am always nervous because I never know what story they are going to tell me. Every Christian I pray every morning that God would send his Holy Spirit to cover me and help guide me throughout the day. After reading this book, I have start praying before I see every client. Because I never know what it is that they need or what they are looking for. So I ask God to speak to my mind and through my vocal chords to help me provide what these women and children need. As I go through their assessment I try to incorporate a question pertaining to spirituality. This way it could lead to a conversation related to God or some form of religious belief. A lot of women respond well when we do proceed to talk about their faith. Often times they feel that they have strayed to far away to approach God and seek his help. I cease this moment and ask them if I could pray with them and for them if they don't mind. Most have agreed, and they want to come back to talk and pray some more. This has made me feel wonderful. I even asked my supervisor we could have a designate night for bible study with the ladies who are in shelter. As of now, we are working on creating a Bible study night. I am very excited about that. I am still constantly praying every chance I get. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all

circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I thank God for using me as one of his vessels to reach his people. Although in the reading it explains that one of the many goals of counseling is to help the person in need accept and take responsibility. But as the counselor in these individuals lives we have to also provide hope, courage, and peace of mind. These individuals cannot do this on their own due to the traumatic event that has happened in their life. It has thrown them off balance and I have to help them find that balance again.
Although I have been seeing clients in the shelter for quite some time now, I still get nervous. I don't know why, but it's something that just comes automatic. I start sweating, I feel nauseous, and sometimes my words get jumbled up. Before a client enters into my office I try using breathing techniques and short meditation, but nothing seems to work. But as soon as the client comes in, I whisper Jesus take the wheel. The client starts talking and telling me about their situation things start to flow easily. I know the word of God says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). Counselors face many difficult situations and may feel timid and afraid. But, A spirit of fear does not come from God. We have to be able to take control and display confidence, so that our clients can feel confident in confiding in us. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Overall this book has encouraged me to pray more often, be more confident in myself, and allow the Holy Spirit to use me in and out of sessions with clients. There is always room for knowledge and growth. Keeping God first and will never steer us wrong.