Blog # 2 Chapters 3 & 4
Chapter 3 discusses the research conducted at Harvard Medical was very interesting. I can't believe that the studies they conducted had such concrete outcomes. It is astonishing how the human mind works and just hearing the narrative of their trauma produced such significant symptoms. I thought it was most interesting how the Broca's area which is affected in stroke patients is effected in trauma victims. I found through the reading how the book states that "trauma by nature drives us to the edge of comprehension, cutting us off from language based on common experience or an imaginable past." That sentence puts trauma into perspective for people working with our clients. Another important part in chapter 3 is that it is easier for clients to talk about what has happened to them than to notice, feel, and put into words the reality of their internal experience. It makes me think of motivational interviewing and how much of an important role that plays in order to get clients to find their words to describe their feelings.
Chapter 4 discusses the response of people who have been impacted by trauma. On page 52, it states " being traumatized means continued to organize your life as if the trauma were still going on-unchanged and immutable-as every new encounter or event is contaminated by the past. That is such a good perspective to have as well. Chapter 4 goes into how trauma plays a role in how the brain develops and changes.
I've had some experience in learning about trauma; however, this book goes into greater detail that has ever been taught to me. Chapters 3 and 4 reminds me that trauma is more than just a specific or series of events that have happened to our clients. It makes me stop to remember that their trauma changes their brain and in turn changes how they respond and go through their every day lives. It makes me more aware to ensure that I'm conscious about building the working relationship. I think the information provided in these chapters is important so that we can have a clear understanding of all aspects of trauma.
For me personally, I know there are times in my job that I can become complacent or burned out. I have had thoughts similar of "oh another drug case." I have to stop and remember that their trauma has led them to this particular moment and that they are truly in need of intervention.
In reading these chapters I to thought about the importance of engaging with clients and that rust building piece as they relive everything they have gone through. I thought of the do no harm piece we strive for but then how often clients are asked to recount the tragedy, tell their stories over an over to different people. I think in any style of social work we have burn out, it is are way of telling ourselves to slow down and rethink. How are we going to do this differently and better? I think as long as we recognize and utilize self care we are doing what we can. Do you have any further thoughts on the burn out piece? Sometimes it is time to just do something different. Especially if you are not doing your current work well.
ReplyDeleteThis was my first time learning about Broca's area and I thought it was really interesting how this part of the brain can be effected by trauma. These two chapters of the book gave me a greater understanding of what my clients may be feeling and experiencing. It can frustrating when I know there is more to the story, but I have to check myself and this chapter definitely put that into more perspective. I hadn't thought about the role that motivational interviewing plays - thanks for presenting that idea as I think you are absolutely right.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had similar experiences and "ah ha" moments reading this chapter. The brain is so cool!! It is so helpful to know these things about trauma. I remember reading through this chapter and reflecting on time I've spend with children who have experienced trauma. I understood and could piece together so many of their different behaviors that I couldn't really before. Thanks for you post!
ReplyDeleteYes, understanding trauma and the brain certainly gives us more empathy and takes the emotions out of our urge to judge. We see it as an injury, so to speak, and can move forward from there. I'm glad you feel like you're learning.
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