Counseling survivors of traumatic events: a handbook for pastors and other helping professionals.

Counseling survivors of traumatic events: A handbook for pastors and other helping professionals

Andrew J. Weaver, Laura T. Flannelly, and John D. Preston. Abingdon Press, 2003. ISBN 0-687-05243-2.

Many health care professionals will sooner or later be called upon to help someone who has been the victim of a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, an act of criminal violence, a catastrophic accident, or regrettably, even a terrorist attack. There is little time for reflection during a traumatic incident, and there is no room for health care providers to become emotionally involved. Because of the magnitude of the health care curriculum and the limited time available, the training most health care professionals receive in this area is quite limited. Educators hope that their students will acquire these skills as they practice their profession in the field; however, there is no certainty that the health care provider will be exposed during his or her residency to victims of such devastating events, and therefore, may never fully be capable of managing this patient population. Providers are often ill-equipped to handle victims of traumatic events, and yet, the immediate actions of some health care responders may have an indelible result on victims.

Through a series of 16 carefully selected case studies, Weaver and colleagues provide a comprehensive coverage of the urgent psychological care which victims of traumatic events should receive. Each chapter relates a brief history of the traumatic event, followed by an assessment of the relevant points in the history, often including indicators that should have alerted vigilant health care providers to the impending catastrophe. This is followed by a brief review of the diagnostic criteria of the case at hand and a more detailed response to the event. The authors then discuss treatment alternatives, indications for referral, and various options provided by mental health specialists. The authors also specifically address cross-cultural issues, as health care providers must often manage patients of different cultures. A list of pertinent references is included to help interested readers study the issue in greater detail.

The traumatic events discussed in the book include motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters such as hurricanes, terrorism, school violence, suicide of a child, traumatic bereavement, pregnancy loss, torture, rape, hate crimes, and burn survivors. Other non-catastrophic but emotionally traumatic events, such as childhood cancer and elder abuse, are also addressed. There are also chapters discussing the emotional burdens of police officers, combat veterans, and compassion fatigue in pastors.

The 45-page introduction is a thorough synopsis of psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress disorders. The book also addresses the clergy's unique advantages in responding to victims of traumatic events, how to make a referral to a mental health specialist, and offers suggestions for personal nurturing. A glossary of terminology and an index add the final touches to this masterpiece.

Although this book is essentially designed for pastors and those training for pastoral ministry, most health care professionals will find it very useful. The book is easy to read and well organized. Readers should have no difficulty referring to points of interest and reanalyzing the development of events.

We strongly recommend this book to our readers and feel it could be a nice gift for any professional involved in health care. The authors should be warmly congratulated.

Ronald C. Hamdy, MD

Editor