Overview
The student must post 2 replies of at 250-300 words. In the replies, students must extend the discussion by analyzing and building upon peers’ threads, asking relevant questions as needed. Each reply must incorporate at least 1 scholarly reference in APA format. Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years. Acceptable sources include course texts, other scholarly texts, or peer-reviewed journal articles.
See your manual for when to use italics in journal articles. Also, drop the place of publication in Levers as APA-7 doesn't do that anymore.
Discussion question: Choose one of the trauma contexts described in Levers chapter 5-25 (other than the topic chosen for your PowerPoint Presentation Assignment). Discuss the personal characteristics, preparation, and training that is necessary for a practitioner wanting to counsel trauma victims in this area, while also disclosing your own interest and relevant experience, if appropriate.
Loss and Grief
Loss and grief are life experiences all have faced, but it is not always about losing and grieving over a loved one or friend that has passed away (Levers, 2012; Marich, 2020). A person can also lose and grieve their sense of safety and security, and/or their beliefs, hopes and purpose for the future (Marich, 2020).
Personal Characteristics of Loss and Grief
When I think about what demographic is least considered when thinking about loss and grieving, I think about the military spouse population. The characteristics of loss and grief that a military spouse experiences are (a) a loss of identity, (b) loss of family support, and (c) loss of financial identity (Djelantik et al., 2019).
The characteristics of loss and grief can be displayed through mood swings, emotional anxiety and panic attacks, depression, shame, and guilt, as well as sometimes suicidal ideations (Briere & Scott, 2015; Djelantik et al., 2019; Marich, 2020). You can see these characteristics within a persons’ demeanor as it changes to reflect their mental state at the moment, whether it is a once outgoing personality now becoming a recluse, to no longer enjoying doing any of their hobbies, or have relaxed their hygiene and appearance (Djelantik et al., 2019; Marich, 2020). A research study indicated that those who experience a loss of self-identity, like military spouses, experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and prolonged grief disorder (PGD) (Boelen, 2021; Djelantik et al., 2019).
Preparation
To counsel the military spouse demographic, it is important to be culturally competent in the military culture and be aware of all the non/normative losses they can experience at any given time (Levers, 2012). Non-normative losses are equated to losing a person or tangible thing (i.e., a house, job, relationship), and normative losses are secondary losses (i.e., identity, clarity, self-esteem, purpose) (Levers, 2012; Sevy Majers, 2021).
Training
There are various theorists and ideologies about loss and grief that the practitioner can study up on (i.e., Freud and Worden), in addition to an intervention called ‘meaning making’ (Levers, 2012; Walsh-Burke, 2022). This intervention validates and normalized the client’s feelings, allowing them to work through the stages of grief as they create a plan of action at the end (Walsh-Burke, 2022).
Biblical Integration
When working with the military population, I like the Bible verse from Ecclesiastes (ESV, 2001, Eccl 3:1-14). This is a reminder to the military spouse that everything they are feeling is absolutely normal, and they are currently in that season and moment to feel these deep emotions right now, but that they won’t be there forever. The Bible verse from Psalm is another good one, which states, “the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (ESV, 2001, Ps 34:18).
References
Boelen, P. A. (2021). The centrality of a loss-event: Patterns, correlates, and predictive value. Anxiety, Stress, and Coping, 34(3), 258-265. https://doi.org/10/1080/10615806.2021.187622
Briere, J., & Scott, C. (2015). Principles of trauma therapy: A guide to symptoms, evaluation, and treatment (2nd ed.). Sage Publications Company.
Djelantik, A. A., Robinaugh, D. J., Kleber, R. J., Smid, G. E., & Boelen, P. A. (2019). Symptomatology following loss and trauma: Latent class and network analyses of
prolonged grief disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and depression in a treatment-seeking trauma-exposed sample. Depression and Anxiety, 37(1), 26-34. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22880
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online. https://esv.literalword.com/
Levers, L. L. (2012). Trauma counseling: Theories and interventions. Springer Publishing Company.
Marich, J. (2020). Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Can grief and loss be traumatic? Gulf Bend MHMR Center. https://www.gulfbend.org/poc/view_doc.php?Links to an external site.type=doc&id=55728&cn=109
Sevy Majers, J. (2021). “When I understood loss and grief.” Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 28(2), 268-270. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12641
Walsh-Burke, K. (2022). Grief and loss: Theories and skills for the helping professions. Waveland Press Publishing Company.
2. T .O Posted.
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is an issue that affects individuals across various demographics, regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status as seen by Levers (2023). It involves a range of behaviors that include physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, shown by one partner over another within an intimate relationship. This violence can come from either partner. As counselors, it is important that we understand the dynamics of IPV to effectively counsel trauma victims.
Characteristics
IPV is often seen through patterns of control, coercion, and manipulation, which can escalate over time if left unaddressed (Dutton, 2012). Victims of IPV may experience psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Bonomi et al., 2006). IPV can also have detrimental effects on physical health, leading to injuries, chronic pain, and long-term disabilities (Black et al., 2011).
Preparation and Training
To counsel trauma victims of IPV, counselors must undergo comprehensive preparation and training. Firstly, gaining a thorough understanding of trauma-informed care is essential. Trauma-informed approaches emphasize safety, trustworthiness, empowerment, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity (Harris & Fallot, 2001). This is especially true when counseling someone who has been a victim of partner violence. Recognizing the impact of trauma on individuals' lives helps us create a supportive and validating therapeutic environment. This may be an environment that the counselee is not familiar with, and can be supportive, encouraging, and safe.
Counselors should also familiarize themselves with the dynamics of IPV, including power imbalances, cycles of abuse, and barriers to seeking help. This entails staying informed about relevant research, theories, and best practices in the field of domestic violence intervention (Gondolf, 2012). Additionally, counselors should be well-versed in assessing risk and safety concerns, as well as understanding legal and ethical obligations when working with IPV survivors due to the fact that many victims may find themselves in an even more harmful environment, especially if the aggressor is aware that the victim is seeking any sort of care (Campbell et al., 2003).
In my experience, I have worked with numerous couples through pre-marriage and marriage counseling. However, I have not had the experience of counseling those who have experienced IPV. On the other hand, I have in the past had clients who I knew were experiencing IPV. However, they were unwilling to share insight and provide details so that I could assess their safety. This was difficult for me, because while I believed my client to be experiencing violence at home, especially with visible bruising, they would always claim being hurt on their own accord, such as falling down steps. I want to continue to develop skills to treat those with IPV experience, especially since my cognate is in Marriage and Family.
References
Black, M. C., Basile, K. C., Breiding, M. J., Smith, S. G., Walters, M. L., Merrick, M. T., & Stevens, M. R. (2011). The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): 2010 Summary Report. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Bonomi, A. E., Anderson, M. L., Rivara, F. P., & Thompson, R. S. (2006). Health outcomes in women with physical and sexual intimate partner violence exposure. Journal of Women's Health, 15(5), 599-610.
Campbell, J. C., Webster, D., Koziol-McLain, J., Block, C., Campbell, D., Curry, M. A., & Sharps, P. (2003). Risk factors for femicide in abusive relationships: Results from a multisite case control study. American Journal of Public Health, 93(7), 1089-1097.
Dutton, D. G. (2012). The abusive personality: Violence and control in intimate relationships. Guilford Press.
Gondolf, E. W. (2012). Theoretical and research support for the Duluth model: A reply to Dutton and Corvo. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 17(4), 330-333.
Harris, M., & Fallot, R. D. (2001). Using trauma theory to design service systems. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Levers, L. L. (2023). Trauma counseling: Theories and interventions for managing trauma, stress, crisis, and disaster. (2nd ed.). Springer.
The student is also required to briefly respond to all classmates who replied to his/her original thread as well as to any questions or comments from the instructor.
A student respond to my post and it requires a response back to that student......My Original post to the discussion question is:
Grief and Loss
The trauma context of grief and loss necessitates the cultivation of a wide range of personal characteristics. In particular, individuals seeking to counsel trauma victims for grief and loss should possess empathy and compassion. According to Levers (2022), it is necessary that counselors connect with victims of trauma by showing genuine concern for the concerns and emotions of such victims. Besides, I have realized that my pursuit of a career in this trauma context demands that I maintain patience when dealing with the victims. The Bible asserts that “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (ESV, 2001, Matthew 5:4). Consequently, the Bible demands that we provide an environment that supports clients in expressing their feelings without feeling pressured to do so within specified timelines. The characteristics of self-awareness and cultural sensitivity are also important for individuals who desire to practice as counselors within the trauma context of grief and loss. Indeed, an understanding of the social and cultural beliefs of the clients is important in facilitating supportive care for the patients.
Besides personal characteristics, practitioners wanting to counsel trauma victims in the area of grief and loss should accumulate significant preparation. In particular, this area of practice necessitates a solid foundation in psychology and counseling. According to Montague et al. (2020), an understanding of diverse theories, models, and approaches is important in supporting trauma counseling. Besides, my interest in this area of practice is supported by an in-depth understanding of trauma theories to facilitate accurate identification of ensuing symptoms and relevant interventions. I have also purposed to undertake professional mentorship and gain from the experience of accomplished professionals in the field. This approach is effective in accumulating significant experience through supervision and consultations. As part of my preparations for practice, I have also been studying different legal and ethical standards to guide my professional conduct in practice.
The pursuit of a career in counseling trauma victims of grief and loss further requires adequate training to achieve competency. While my current program is important in laying the ground for my career, I have also purposed to undertake specialized training programs targeting grief counseling. This approach is motivated by the need to acquire relevant skills and knowledge to address the unique challenges of this trauma context. VanAusdale and Swank (2020) assert that there is a need for continuous education to keep oneself updated on new trends and evidence-based interventions. As part of this process, I hope to benefit from workshops, conferences, and seminars organized by leading organizations and associations. Through internships, I also hope to accrue sufficient clinical experience to help me transition from a student to a practitioner.
References
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online. https://esv.literalword.com/Links to an external site.
Levers, L. L. (2022). Trauma counseling: Theories and interventions for managing trauma, stress, crisis and disaster. Springer Publishing Company.
Montague, K. T., Christensen, K., & Furr, S. (2020). Counselor preparation in crisis, trauma, grief, and neurocounseling. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 13(4), 1. https://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/jcps/vol13/iss4/1Links to an external site.
VanAusdale, S., & Swank, J. M. (2020). Integration of trauma-based education in counselor education. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 13(2), 5. http://doi.org/10.7729/42.1354Links to an external site.
This is the student response to my post
Hello,
Thank you for such a meaningful discussion board post. Grief is a natural experience that we often experience. One thing that I have learned about grief is that we are forever grieving. Grief is an individualized process that can be affected by numerous variables such as death, separation, removal, and overall detachment. Despite the complex emotions that are experienced during the grieving process, grief can be a source of hope, healing, and refreshing. It is difficult to categorize what is considered normal and abnormal grief. Would you say that is it more traumatic for children to experience grief or adults? Children who often experience complicated grief at young ages struggle with grief as adults.
As mentioned in your post, we must be self-aware of our grief before we work with clients who have experienced complex grief. Your discussion board post has led me to realize that often as counselors, we experience unrecognized grief due to us forgetting we are human. When counselors do not allow themselves to grieve, we become disenfranchised from the grieving process (Rogalla, 2018). As mentioned in your discussion board post, to counsel victims of complex grief, we must receive adequate training, supervision, and mentoring. Despite the complex emotions surrounding grief, I am thankful that we have a savior who feels what we feel and understands our experiences. The word of God reminds us that he will wipe away every tear from our eyes and there will be a time when there is no more mourning, death, crying, and pain (NIV, Revelation 21:4). Thank you for choosing this topic to discuss. I enjoyed responding and engaging with you.
References
Rogalla, K. B. (2018). Anticipatory grief, proactive coping, social support, and growth: Exploring positive experiences of preparing for loss. Omega Journal of Death and Dying. https://doi.org/10.1177/0030222818761461Links to an external site.
The Holy Bible. (2011). New International Version. Zondervan Publishing House.