tulane talkmay2013 final_pdf

May 7, 2013 Salon Luncheon 1

Dedication:

To those who found the trauma opportunities here in

New Orleans

May 7, 2013 2 Salon Luncheon

Purpose:

Share a perspective about trauma and trauma resilience that

may be useful in overcoming the trauma paradox and

transforming the stumbling block of

Adversity into OPPORTUNITIES into

stepping stones of inspiration, innovation, growth and wisdom.


Trauma Opportunities

Adversity or trauma leads to traumatic stress reactions that affect mental health.

Trauma also leads to learning, innovation, problem solving, thriving, and other reactions that affect wisdom.

What does it mean to survive a trauma?Answer: Respond to trauma opportunities and manage the trauma paradox.


Trauma paradox

Those suffering from trauma (e.g., PTSD) paradoxically are “prisoners” of their own traumatic memories.

What will set them “free” is mastering their of the traumatic memory-‐fears

The paradox of fearing fearing the information that will set them free.


The Road to Wisdom that Starts with a Trauma

Trauma à

Disorganization à

Resilience & Resourcesà

Adaptation to Opportunities à

Growth à

Wisdom


Trauma à

Trauma happens despite planning and preparation

Trauma initially leads to temporary disorganization


à Disorganization

� Disorganization – cognitively, socially, spiritually, and emotionally

� Caused by unexpected shattered assumptions and expectations about trauma invulnerability

� Trauma Reactions – fear, confusion, impaired decision-making


à Disorganization

� Confused about the answers to the five fundamental crisis questions: 1.  What happened; 2.  Why did it happen; 3.  Why did I react as I did; 4.  Why have I reacted as I have; 5.  What if it happens again?


à Disorganization

� Helping through re-establishment of routine, sense of safety/reassurance

� Consultation vital for determining ways of managing the disorganization through

�  sound planning and standards of practice


à Trauma Resilience & Resources

� Bouncing back from all adversities by finding a way to overcome, cope, and adapt to the trauma;

� Drawing on social, emotional, and spiritual resources toward post-traumatic rehabilitation, growth, and thriving.


à Trauma Adaptation to Opportunities à

� Adjusting to the new normal

� Managing the stress and disruptions of change

� Addressing the Trauma Paradox

� Revising plans in light of new knowledge gained from the trauma.


à Trauma Adaptation to Opportunities à

Applying post-traumatic wisdom in the shadows of trauma means…

1.  Creating new and better ways or things inspired by the trauma

2.  Establishing strong post-trauma relationships with fellow survivors and supporters

3.  Memorializing lessons learned that lead logically to better planning and toward thriving


à Growth à

� The experience of positive change as a result of trauma that leads to

�  insight into self and

�  a life that is purposeful and hopeful

� Growth often leads to lasting wisdom inspired by the trauma


à Trauma Wisdom

Positive adaptation to trauma is the wisdom from the struggle to overcome adversity

Wisdom as both process and outcome of trauma adaptation includes

1.  recognition and management of uncertainty; 2.  the integration of thoughts and feelings; and 3.  wisdom and courage to change


Conclusions

�  It is not so much the trauma as it is the trauma memory which causes difficulty.

�  Thus it is “trauma memory management” that is the solution.

�  The road to wisdom often starts with adversity but can end with wisdom

�  Trauma adversity initially leads to Disorganization but effective resilience can lead to effective post-traumatic Adaptation and, Growth, Wisdom


Conclusions

� Thus, the answer to the question: “What does it mean to survive a trauma?” is simple:

� It means that one taken opportunity to grow, and life is richer as a result.


Contact me about our graduate programs

�  PhD Program in City, Culture, and Community

�  MS Program in Disaster Resilience Leader

�  Master Social Work

�  [email protected]

�  CHARLESFIGLEY.COM

�  504-862-3473

May 7, 2013 Salon Luncheon 18

tulane talkmay2013 final_pdf

Documents