What strategies can you use to support group members experiencing trauma?

I find that most people are actually unaware of trauma they have experienced and don't understand why they are acting the way they are when something triggers that past trauma to manifest itself. And they don't really understand it until they start talking about it with a professional, such as a Psychologist and/or a Psychiatrist. It's certainly something that is very important to learn about, for yourself and for others around you.

It's important for us to remember, we can't "fix" anyone else's trauma. We need to leave trauma processing to professionals who have this specific training. What we can do is listen with an empathetic ear when someone shares their experience with us. We can share with them that trauma is not their fault. We can share that their trauma reactions, even if no longer helpful, are ways they're coping with the trauma. Trauma reactions are perfectly normal reactions to overwhelming circumstances.

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Showing my resilience in spite of the trauma I have personally experienced breaks down barriers and creates a profound sense of connection and empathy. By sharing my own challenges and how I've overcome them, offers a sense of hope, reassurance, and a sense of connection to those I'm attempting to support. My experiences can serve as a guide, helping others navigate their own paths to recovery and personal growth. Thus motivating others toward positive change. I try to make it evident that if I can do it, anyone can. Additionally, my willingness to be open and vulnerable seems to break down barriers and fosters trust, in a much stronger manner than someone who merely recites theory from a college textbook.

As a person with lived experience with trauma, I often intuitively sense when someone is presenting symptoms related to a traumatic event they may have experienced. Often, the stigma associated with trauma prevents people from expressing their feelings. Personally, I compartmentalized and avoided even thinking about the events. I feared what people would think about me if they knew about my past. Unwarranted shame, embarrassment, and guilt were the hallmarks I held on to as a survivor. I was afraid that people would point the finger of blame at me. I was fortunate to meet someone who was open with me about the trauma they experienced as well as their journey of recovery. That was the catalyst for me to open up and start my recovery process.

It is very important that they feel in charge of their own healing process. Seeing them struggle is often very difficult and it takes a very conscious effort on part of the professional to not "rescue" them by offering quick fix solutions. If the counsellor can provide that safe & sacred holding place for their pain and let them work through the trauma at their own pace they allow the clients to get in touch with their own inner reserves of strength and claim them.

Once again, sharing my personal experiences with trauma (events, effects, and recovery) seems to break the protective ice some people use as a shield to defend themselves from feeling any additional pain as a result of trauma. I am an "open book" while facilitating groups or working with individuals in a one-on-one environment. Being vulnerable while maintaining personal and professional boundaries is expedient. Discerning the appropriate details to share is necessary to maintain healthy boundaries. Honesty, integrity, and courage are measuring sticks I use to prevent arrogance and self-centeredness from appearing and causing damage. Authentic and genuine concern coupled with empathy for others helps to build necessary trust and rapport.

Boundaries are always important. When a person has experienced trauma boundaries become critical. Providing the person with the autonomy to set the boundaries where they are comfortable facilitates healing. Crossing boundaries can retraumatize a person.

It helps to also remember that we are no better than they are. Many counselors and psychologists feel the need to have the upper hand or control of the people they treat. By approaching people as equals, instead, you are showing them that you think they are important. That, in return, gives them the self confidence one needs to begin to overcome their trauma.

Empathy can also look like validation of someone's unique experience and being aware that no two experiences are alike. Therefore, avoid saying things like, "I know exactly how you feel..." or "I went through the same thing..." This can be activating for some survivors of trauma and can lead to more feelings of isolation.

We recommend co-creating Group Agreements (vs "rules") with the participants to help establish group norms. Include basics such as Confidentiality, Take Space/Make Space, Speak from Personal Experience / "I" Statements, and Avoid Unsolicited Advice / Space to Uncover Own Wisdom. Participants can add more agreements, which helps establish sense of agency, empowerment, and ownership. It's impossible to create a space free of triggers for everyone, so we like to add these agreements/norms: Be Curious About Discomforts, Pause for Collective Breath, Mindful Sharing (i.e. not sharing specific details of abuse, for example), and Space for Multiple Truths to Coexist.

I agree with all the above advice when dealing with a group suffering from trauma-e.g. Ukraijne will definitely need group therapy as the number would never be helped by one to one therapy. Gaza and Israel will need group therapy for the same reasons. mBut, group therapy has only been used by CBT therapists and at most 8 people with poor success. Whereas the Rewind Technique was used in Rwanda on 21 survivors of genocide and in one session 85% achieved closure. Treating Traumatic Memories in Rwanda With the Rewind Technique: Two-Week Follow-Up After a Single Group Session Aimee Josephine Utuza1, Stephen Joseph2, and David Muss3 Abstract Traumatology 2012. Let me explain how ,see below Here's what else to consider,