Exploring trauma
At a time when we are shocked and saddened when seeing another chaotic loss of life in the media, many of us search for ways to help those emotionally wounded in the aftermath. A recent Soldier’s Heart Trauma Institute/Conference at Saratoga Springs, New York was designed to help professionals to care for the survivors, workers and families connected to tragic events.
This conference was not your normal four day affair replete with exhibition booths, extensive networking and post workshop cocktail parties. Many people would describe the conference as “touchy feely”. There certainly were many emotional interactive exercises that created an unusual camaraderie between strangers but to describe it just as touchy feely would be inaccurate. It was more of a solemn informative gathering of treatment specialists and educators from all over the country. There was even a shaman from Australia. The topics addressed by the presenters were as diverse as the audience. Workshops entitled “Wounded Warrior, Wounded Nation” and “Finding Grace through Trauma” and “Healing and the Human Spirit” gave the participants a comprehensive perspective on trauma.
Comments below convey the benefits received by the attendees.
Elizabeth Golden said, “I was so impressed with the research/ work being done on the topic of trauma and moral injury. The information provided by all speakers, who brought their unique gifts, was extremely helpful in providing the most up to date information, psychoeducation, and treatments. It was a pleasure to be among the amazing group of dedicated professionals working together to provide the most effective treatments to our clients who suffer with trauma and aftermath of moral injury. This work is heavy, what we carry and hold for our clients is nothing short of spiritual.
Sebastian A. Perumbilly stated, “The summer institute brought together many scholarly and clinical-practitioner perspectives in a multidisciplinary way on the topic of “moral injury” and “trauma” and created safe and creative space for vibrant and deeper discussions. The institute, in its entirety, was illuminating to me as a researcher and clinician.”
Christine Graf added a comment that related to my workshop specifically in an unusual way.
She said, “I was particularly impacted by the attendance of a Gold Star mother.”
Leesa Philippon was the Gold Star Mother mentioned by Chris. During my workshop and following my discussion of tragedies at Parkland, Las Vegas, and Ground Zero, I asked the audience if they wanted to share reactions to some personal loss. Leesa rose slowly and spoke solemnly about the death of her son in Iraq in 2005. After she spoke I gave her a hug and continued with my workshop. At the conclusion, she approached me and handed
I not only gained knowledge and resources, I gleaned hope for the brothersin-arms of my sons and the veterans I work to assist.
me a replica of her son’s dog tag with his picture on the back. I was stunned and touched and asked why I was honored in this way. She said that I made her laugh just like her son and she noticed that my email had the number thirty- three in it. Thirty-three was his favorite number as a high school athlete and it was the number of his weapon in the military.
Leesa summarized her experience at the conference in this way. “In accepting the responsibility of caring for our wounded (physically and invisible wounds) our society picks up the torch of brotherhood and sisterhood that was held close in the hearts of those who did not come home from war. By attending Soldier’s Heart’s Institute, I not only gained knowledge and resources, I gleaned hope for the brothers-in-arms of my sons and the veterans I work to assist. The genuine regard and wealth of wisdom for our veterans was a gold strand threaded throughout the presentations and interactions among all who participated.”
The institute/conference ended in a nontraditional but meaningful way with a closing prayer.