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Childhood traumatic grief has been interesting to me since the school shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas. I live about 53 miles from Uvalde and lived in Uvalde while attending Southwest Texas Junior College in 2002. Survivors may be afraid to sleep alone at night because of nightmares about a shooting that they witnessed. 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is fascinating to me because my husband served during Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in combat search and rescue (CSAR), with one deployment to Afghanistan and one to Iraq. However, military members are not the only ones who suffer from PTSD. Many survivors of gun violence suffer from gun violence as well. 

Burnout is physical, mental, or emotional strength or motivation exhaustion, usually due to prolonged involvement in a demanding situation. It gradually builds to a breaking point from stress and frustration. Burnout appears from all work-related stressors, such as paperwork and bureaucratic issues.

• Why do you think children are especially susceptible to trauma?

I believe children are especially susceptible to trauma because of their innocence. Since birth, children rely on their parents for their basic needs. Erick’s first stage of psychosocial development is trust vs. mistrust. Therefore, when a child’s safety is jeopardized, or a child loses trust, a child is susceptible to trauma. Children may also feel disadvantaged when confronted by a threat because of their size. If a school shooter enters an elementary, the only ones who can protect the children are the adults, whereas if he enters a high school, he will be met with more young adults his/her size. 

• Identify at least two grief informed or trauma informed strategies that can be used to help a student/client.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a highly effective strategy to use with children. Unlike traditional talk therapies, CBT involves hands-on activities, games, and role-playing techniques to engage children to make therapy more enjoyable. By utilizing CBT techniques, therapists can help children develop the tools they need to overcome challenges and improve theiroverall functioning.

Childhood traumatic grief (CTG) is a condition in which a child or adolescent has lost a loved one in circumstances that are objectively or subjectively traumatic (p.819). Children with CTG may experience avoidance and numbing, including sleep disturbance, irritability, anger, decreased concentration, or hypervigilance. Children who experience traumatic grief may blame themselves for the death of a loved one and experience survival guilt.

• Do you think it should be mandated that all health professionals receive education about the effects of trauma and how to assess for trauma?

I think all health professionals should receive education about the effects of trauma and how to assess for trauma. Most employers require training when you get hired and every year after that on topics such as sexual harassment, food allergies, and CPR/AED. Trauma education can equip healthcare professionals to implement preventive measures and promote intervention strategies if needed.

• From your professional perspective, why is it important to have a basic knowledge and understanding of the effects of grief and trauma? (How is this important in your future role?)

As a counselor, it is essential to possess a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the effects of grief and trauma. These experiences can have profound impacts on the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of individuals, and understanding them is crucial for providing effective support and guidance. Having a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the effects of grief and trauma is crucial. It allows counselors to provide adequate support and guidance to clients who are grieving or have experienced traumatic events. By understanding the complexities of grief and trauma, counselors can help clients navigate and heal from these difficult experiences, ultimately promoting their overall well-being.