Posted by Home Start Intern-Jen
I’ve spent years studying, researching, and networking to forge a career in trauma psychology. All my classmates and professors know my preferred specialty and I frequently receive accolades touting my nobility, “I could never do what you do” and “It’s amazing you can listen to those stories every day.” But there is one catch – I’ve never seen a trauma case before.
Home Start is my first experience counseling trauma victims and as this year progresses I will find out if I am truly cut out for this line of work. Will I be able to handle it? Can I emotionally detach myself from the stories of molest and abuse coming from a 6 year old? Will the stories haunt me in my dreams?
My first referral came in last week. An adult survivor of long-term child abuse that was never recognized or treated. With my initial training complete, voicemails and schedules set, now it was show time. My feelings soon shifted from ambitious excitement to performance anxiety. Knowing how to diagnose and approach treatment in a theoretical way is one thing, but knowing what to say to a person in pain is another. Would I really be able to help this person? Would all my preparation be futile if I couldn’t facilitate her healing? Stay tuned . . .
No comments:
Post a Comment