Careful questioning during an interview allows the survivor to tell his or her account of the event. Individuals need the opportunity to talk about their experience in a safe, non-judgmental setting. Questioning allows for the gathering of details about the trauma, assessment of current and past levels of functioning, and the development of a treatment plan. Interviews with family members and significant others may provide further insight into the nature of the trauma and presenting symptomatology. Many techniques have been used to treat survivors after exposure to traumatic events.
Education is the first method.
Cognitive, behavioral, and physical aspects of the stress response are explored with the individual. The clinician and patient may share books and articles relevant to the treatment of the traumatic symptoms. This process helps give meaning to the symptoms that he or she experiences and may ultimately facilitate a sense of control over them. The second category involves holistic health . This includes physical activity, nutrition, spirituality, and humor as they contribute to the healing of the individual.