Lesson 10: Reconnection and Commonality


Attention

Listen to the song by Malachy Tallack Leaving my old self behind.

The journey of our clients includes learning how to leave their old selves behind, heal their hearts, their relationships and move forward to develop their new selves. This is not an easy journey. Your role as a mental health professional is to support clients by walking side by side with them on this journey.


Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:

  • Identity the role that "learning to fight" plays in the process of recovery
  • Identity the role that supportive others can have in the process of recovery

Teaching

  • Read "Chapter 10: Reconnection" in Trauma and Recovery
  • Read "Chapter 11: Commonality" in Trauma and Recovery

Helping someone work through trauma requires patience and skill. These chapters are offering you information to help you become a better mental health worker in the future. This is really a healing journey we are talking about. There are many tips and ideas that you can offer clients to help them through this journey. The document below is an excerpt from a brochure titled Deaing with the Effects of Trauma - A Self Help Guide. It was distributed by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).


Assessment

Lesson 10 Discussion A

In Chapter 10 we are introduced to a number of thoughts about the possibility of self-discovery in the last stages of true recovery. We find strengths that we did not know we had.

Learning to Fight: Post thoughts on the role of learning to fight, of facing fears, and finding strength. What we are looking for here in this phase of recovery is not the person who transforms into a jerk (the individual who spouts their anger all over the place) instead we are looking for the one who is strong in presence.

Lesson 10 Discussion B

When we connect with others (Chapter 11) we find that others can help us find strength. We have learned that self-blame is a huge part of the trauma and the impact of trauma. How do you think individuals really navigate the challenge of forgiving themselves?