Trauma: Do I need Counseling or A debriefing?
Dear clients,
Many people are curious about the difference between counseling and debriefings, especially in the context of trauma. Although an overlap exists between the two, counseling and debriefings have different goals and treatment plans. Let's start by examining trauma first.
Trauma refers to any life-changing event that overwhelms a person and negatively affects their ability to cope. Some common examples of trauma include crime, drownings, car accidents, birth complications, physical injuries, sexual assault, domestic violence, the loss of a loved one, divorce, relocation, sudden unemployment, etc.
Trauma Counseling deals with the emotional impact of a traumatic event. It assists you in dealing with the "fallout" or in managing the impact that the trauma had on your way of life (lifestyle and actions), your relationships with others, your values, and your belief system. This can include faith and spirituality since it is normal for people to wonder why their faith did not exempt them from experiencing trauma. Trauma Counseling usually takes place a couple of weeks or months after the trauma or in some cases, a couple of years later.
Trauma Debriefing deals with the physical and emotional aftermath of a traumatic event. It assists the client in processing what happened, understanding how it impacted them, and ensuring that they are equipped with the skills and resources they need to cope. Trauma Debriefings usually take place 2-3 days after a traumatic event, once the psychological and physiological symptoms of shock start to wear off. Debriefings require specialized training, which means that not every counselor is qualified to assist with debriefings.
so in short...
Debriefings are like receiving immediate first aid on the scene of an accident, whereas Counseling is like going to rehab for the injury you sustained. Both are important, but the amount of time between the trauma and the support will generally dictate which option is best for the client.
Be blessed,
Madeleine