The Body, Mind, and Soul of Trauma: Putting the Pieces Together

Traumatic events remain common in human experiences. Some studies have found that over 60% will experience a traumatic experience severe enough to qualify for a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)(Breaslau, 1998). More current tragedies such as the attacks on the world trade centers in 2001 and the devastation of the Deep South by hurricane Katrina may increase the number of traumatized individuals counselors work with. Recent research has shed light on the many different aspects of our lives affected by trauma but we still struggle with effective assessment, conceptualization, and treatment. This article presents a holistic process of assessment and approach to treatment that better helps counselors conceptualize the areas of difficulty for clients who have experienced a traumatic event. This holistic and individualistic approach to trauma assessment and treatment provides a new way to look at survivors of traumatic events. By assessing all aspects of life affected, we can create manageable and meaningful interventions to help our clients create change and alleviate the experience of surviving traumatic events.