Question Prompts:
1.) We learned in module two that after a crisis a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can happen when there are no opportunities to intervene at an early stage of the crisis, or because a crisis intervention strategy was insufficient for the needs of the individual. In the videos this week, Van der Kolk discusses the importance of support during crises stating that, “One of the largest mitigating factors against getting traumatized is who is there for you at that particular time.” He goes on to discuss how support during crises positively influences the foundation of perceived safety.
How does this influence the way you understand the role of the trauma or crisis intervention counselor?
2.) Considering the positive impact of support on the trajectory of trauma, why is it important that there is access to crisis intervention programs and resources in our communities?
3.) In your own words, why do you think it is important to consider how perception impacts the way we understand the crisis, the stress response, and trauma?
4.) Dr. Van der Kolk notes that trauma is bottom-up or body to mind. Using the slinky analogy as described by Dr. Levine, how do these two ideologies and perspectives influence your understanding of crisis intervention and trauma.
