The First Conversation After Trauma

Last week, I attended a conference about 'the first conversation after trauma'. The speaker has been working at 'Morçati' for twenty years. She talked about the types of trauma. Trauma falls into two categories which are natural trauma and man made trauma.

There are variety effects of trauma. I want to talk about some of them. The trauma can include:
. Upsetting memories such as images or thoughts about the trauma
. Feeling as if the trauma is happening again (flashbacks)
. Bad dreams and nightmares
. Getting upset when reminded about the trauma (by something the person sees, hears, feels, smells, or tastes)
. Anxiety or fear, feeling in danger again
The effects of trauma causes obstacles in a person's life. It continues at least for one month.

The speaker gave an example of trauma her client had experienced. Her client's mother had died in a traffic accident when she was 9 years old. She and her sisters grew up in different relative's houses because her father could not look after them. They could not meet each other. She got married at the age of 18. Her husband was older than her. She got pregnant. One day, suddenly her husband disappeared. She was left alone with her child in Istanbul. She did several different jobs such as serving as a waiter...etc... After 2 years, her husband showed up and came back into her life. After a while and after taking all her money, he left her on her own again. Following this she started staying at the shelter. The repeating traumas the mentioned woman has experienced is called Complex PTSO.

The speaker also talked about points to pay attention to during therapy.
. Usually, client express herself with body language.
. Client should not be forced to explain her/his problems.

A good therapist should posses the following qualities:
. should make clients feel that they can easily handle the problem.
. should have deep knowledge about the trauma and its effects.
. should be a good observent.
. should know herself.
. should be a good listener.
. should give a hope to clients.
. should use the appropriate language.