Several ideas from the multiple reading sources this week stand out as critical information for the student of disaster mental health response. The characteristics of effective helpers as described by Jacobs (2016) appear central to the understanding of requirements in the field. Jacobs (2016) states that effective helpers not only have support as their main goal but are also approachable, trustworthy, active listeners, have a caring attitude, are kind, have patience, display empathy, are nonjudgmental and committed.
Jacobs (2016) also describes ways to help someone reduce their reactions to stressful events. One such way is to increase coping skills. Another is learning to monitor thoughts and physical states. A person can also increase physical fitness. Lastly, a person can focus on their own belief systems. All of these ways described by Jacobs (2016) can improve a person’s cognitive appraisal, or the decisions a person makes based on their perception of an event.
Due to the nature of the field, some terms have become difficult to define. Based on my field of study in traumatology, I found the distinction of the terms crisis and trauma to be important. Stebnicki (2017) defines crisis as a moment when “the individual is confronted by an enormous life-changing event … whereas trauma typically refers to a serious physical and/or psychological injury sustained as a result of a life-threatening or horrible experience” (p.16). Therefore, the crisis may precipitate trauma for some but not necessarily for all.
Lastly, an incredibly important aspect of trauma and disaster is the search for meaning (Stebnicki, 2017). Mental health professionals need to be aware of cultural differences and integrate basic counseling skills with a deeper layer of understanding of the client to reach an “empathic-intuitive connection” that provides faith and hope for survivors (Stebnicki, 2017, p. 34).
The characteristics of an effective helper delineate some of the needed qualities in the character of the helper that will lead towards achieving the goal of supporting trauma clients. The personal impact they have on me center on the realization that these qualities need to be inherent to my character at all times. It will not lead to a congruent self if a helper only determines to exhibit these qualities in the context of helping trauma clients. I believe that in order to genuinely possess these qualities, they must become a natural occurrence in the life of the helper.
As I consider work with trauma clients, the concept of cognitive appraisal stands out as a major concept since perception of an event is critical to the response a person may have (Jacobs, 2016). It was interesting that as I was reading about this concept, my daughter, who has a severe fear of frogs, came upon a very large one on our property. I considered how her trait personality, thoughts, beliefs, and internal state affected her cognitive appraisal of the situation (Jacobs, 2016). It was very clear that she assessed the situation as threatening and was able to utilize coping skills, although she did not recognize her ability to do so until after the situation was over and we were discussing her visible reaction (Jacobs, 2016). I noticed that in addition to the ways listed in Jacobs (2016) as ways to reduce reactions to stressful events, bringing awareness to my daughter through discussion was absolutely necessary for her to realize that she was able to properly cope and find a way out of the stressful situation.
Although in that situation my daughter was markedly stressed and overwhelmed, as evidenced further in her reactions after the event had passed, the chance to evaluate the crisis she had perceived helped her consider how she had overcome and how she would handle it if it happened again. It seems the whole situation helped to increase her ability to cope, rather than cement the fear of frogs.
The search for meaning being incredibly important for disaster mental health helpers is conducive to integration of the worldview presented in Scripture. When faced with a difficult situation, Scripture provides answers and assurance. Stebnicki (2017) emphasizes the importance of being culturally competent and aware of counseling methods outside of traditional Western concepts. For a Christian counselor, in addition to being competent culturally and highly skilled in counseling techniques, having an awareness of Scripture, and using it properly, is of utmost importance. With regards to the search for meaning, several Scriptures can be of assistance in a personal understanding of the meaning of suffering which can translate to a proper application and integration in the counseling relationship. It is important to remember that according to Romans 8:22 (The Scriptures, 2018), all creation is suffering the effects of sin. Most importantly is the realization that all means all, whether a person is willingly living in sin or trying their best to live a life of righteousness according to Scripture due to love for YHVH and His Savior. Throughout Scripture, the evidence of suffering having a purpose is elucidated, especially in the lives of Joseph, the prophets, the disciples, and the Savior Himself. Joseph’s life was filled with suffering that eventually led to the saving of his people from famine (Genesis 37-50, The Scriptures, 2018). Every single prophet of YHVH in the Old Testament suffered greatly for the purposes of revealing the truth to the people. Many disciples suffered torture and death, and through it brought the Good News to many. Of course, the Messiah Himself, although perfect endured suffering for the sake of the entire world, that whoever believes in Him can choose to love and obey Him for eternity (John 3:16; John 14:15; The Scriptures, 2018).
Therefore, in Scripture we can see that suffering has a purpose. A competent Christian counselor can internalize this truth and help someone find the meaning and purpose in their suffering, thereby continuing the healing process for a hurting soul.
In conclusion, from the surface level characteristics inherent in a helper to the deeper meaning that can be found in suffering, the readings this week revealed there is much work to do in the person of the helper that will lead towards excellence in the field. What stood out to me the most is this overall understanding that who we are and what we believe matters; in other words, we need to be aware of our characteristics, reactions, and underlying beliefs. The work of the helper must be personal first in order to be equipped to properly hold a survivor’s emotions and reactions.
References
Jacobs, G.A. (2016). Community-based psychological first aid: A practical guide to helping individuals and communities during difficult times. Elsevier Inc.
Stebnicki, M.A. (2017). Disaster mental health counseling: Responding to trauma in a multicultural context. Springer Publishing Company.
The Scriptures. (2018). Institute for Scripture Research.
Discerning Trauma 