Child Welfare Work and Secondary Traumatic Stress
By: Ken Perry, LCSW and Marian Woods, LCSW
Today, we had a training about Secondary Traumatic stress particically related to social work professionals in the child welfare field. The training discussed how much trauma social workers face on a daily basis through stories, pictures, a death of a child on the caseload, and etc.
Some Signs of STS
increased fatigue
illness
gone from work
forgetfulness
social withdrawal
reduced empathy
Sunday night blues
reduced productivity
feelings of hopelessness
emotional withdrawal
despair
over and under eating
irritability
nightmares
put walls up
self protection
difficulty with sleep
alcohol
panic attacks
immune system drops
hypervigilant
families, distance or take it out
affects parenting
permissive, strictness
paranoia
see the worst in people
mental illness-depression, anxiety, and panic attacks
Personal Indicators
self isolation
excessive dark humor
cynacism
irritability
disconnected from loved ones
existential issues- beliefs and values shaken
more anxiety about own children
addictive behaviors
intrusive thoughts
avodiance of clients
dream material
What do we do about it?
be aware of symptoms
get enough sleep
exercise-the body remembers stressful situations, so it's important
eat well
take time
life outside of work-hobbies and support
Mental Strategies to overcome STS
Understand your personal trauma history and take care of it.
see a counselor
vent to friends or coworkers
What do I do personally?
to do lists
blogging
vent to friends and coworkers
yoga, exercise
walk dogs
engage in hobbies- blogging, goal writing, doing family feud, reading, scrap booking and watching television
Friday, April 15, 2011
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
I am from..
The Department sent me to Boise, Idaho to attend a training courses. The training today discussed cultural competency. I wanted to highlight some interesting insights I gained.
1) One of the trainers discussed what she would place in her identity box. It got me to think what where I am from and what I would place in an identity box. The trainers had us write a poem describing our identity. The trainers had us watch a video that had adults who experienced foster care as children tell of their experiences. A huge part of my identity is my family. I can't even imagine being taken away from them and being placed separately from siblings and parents. Also, being placed in multiple homes with different expectations would be extremely difficult. Yet, these adults (used to be foster kids) overcame their situations and still kept a sense of their identity. This made me realize as a social worker, I need to build connections with children in foster care with other relatives, family members, or to community events that will strengthen their identity.
2) The trainers had us write a poem describing where we are from. The goal of writing the poem is building a sense of our own identity and bias. In order to help appreciate and respect other cultures, backgrounds, and etc. one must be comfortable with ourselves. Here is my poem:
I Am From...
The mountains of Utah, the sunflowers of Kansas, the trees of Washington, and the big blue open sky of Montana
Deer and elk hanging in the garage when home for Thanksgiving
Campers, bikers, and hikers
Love, support, and trust
Dad as the breadwinner and mom stays at home
Good food, board games, and laughter
Van Halen, Beach Boys, Def Leppard: classic rock
Kissing my dad through the television set (he's a news anchor if you didn't know)
Church every Sunday
Building a relationship with Christ
You can do better, set the example, and work hard.
3) Helping Children Develop a Sense of Identity
- Involve them in opportunities to learn about customs, traditions, history, and experiences of others in order to develop a sense of pride
-Teach children them meanings of oppression and racism, also teach them hope to cope with it
-Highlight cultural history and individual abilities and traditional cultural strengths
4) An interesting question: Who did you eat lunch with in High School? For most people,it would be people with your same ethnicity, religion, or etc. I was thinking about who I ate lunch with and wondered how we all ended up there. We all had different religious beliefs if any at all and different ethnicities. Some cared about school and some not at all.
These are some interesting highlights I thought I would share.
1) One of the trainers discussed what she would place in her identity box. It got me to think what where I am from and what I would place in an identity box. The trainers had us write a poem describing our identity. The trainers had us watch a video that had adults who experienced foster care as children tell of their experiences. A huge part of my identity is my family. I can't even imagine being taken away from them and being placed separately from siblings and parents. Also, being placed in multiple homes with different expectations would be extremely difficult. Yet, these adults (used to be foster kids) overcame their situations and still kept a sense of their identity. This made me realize as a social worker, I need to build connections with children in foster care with other relatives, family members, or to community events that will strengthen their identity.
2) The trainers had us write a poem describing where we are from. The goal of writing the poem is building a sense of our own identity and bias. In order to help appreciate and respect other cultures, backgrounds, and etc. one must be comfortable with ourselves. Here is my poem:
I Am From...
The mountains of Utah, the sunflowers of Kansas, the trees of Washington, and the big blue open sky of Montana
Deer and elk hanging in the garage when home for Thanksgiving
Campers, bikers, and hikers
Love, support, and trust
Dad as the breadwinner and mom stays at home
Good food, board games, and laughter
Van Halen, Beach Boys, Def Leppard: classic rock
Kissing my dad through the television set (he's a news anchor if you didn't know)
Church every Sunday
Building a relationship with Christ
You can do better, set the example, and work hard.
3) Helping Children Develop a Sense of Identity
- Involve them in opportunities to learn about customs, traditions, history, and experiences of others in order to develop a sense of pride
-Teach children them meanings of oppression and racism, also teach them hope to cope with it
-Highlight cultural history and individual abilities and traditional cultural strengths
4) An interesting question: Who did you eat lunch with in High School? For most people,it would be people with your same ethnicity, religion, or etc. I was thinking about who I ate lunch with and wondered how we all ended up there. We all had different religious beliefs if any at all and different ethnicities. Some cared about school and some not at all.
These are some interesting highlights I thought I would share.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Inspiring story
In my child welfare class, my teacher showed us a video about a child named Akiane. This child was born to an atheist family. She started drawing when she was four years old and taught herself. At the age four she started experiencing spiritual visions and drawing/painting them. She brought her family close to God and Akiane's biggest wish is that everyone would love God and each other.
On her website, it shows her drawings and painting from age four to now age 15. Her paintings are beautiful and inspirational.
Akiane's Website
Akiane's Youtube Video
Check it out, it will amaze you! :D
On her website, it shows her drawings and painting from age four to now age 15. Her paintings are beautiful and inspirational.
Akiane's Website
Akiane's Youtube Video
Check it out, it will amaze you! :D
Fundamentals of Addiction
I had the opportunity to meet with Bob Stahn who works part-time at Child Protection doing assessments and some counseling regarding substance abuse. Most of what I will discuss is taken from a power point created by Bob Stahn regarding his professional opinions.
Fundamentals of Addiction: The Cycle
negative emotion - want relief - addictive behavior - relief (which never lasts) - increased guilt and shame
Negative emotion can occur from stress or other things. The three basic reasons people use is 1) thrill 2) social experience 3) escape. Then, the person wants relief from the stress and starts addictive behavior. The person receives relief which is only temporary. The person then has guilt and shame from doing their addictive behavior. Lastly, it circles back to negative emotion where the person wants to escape that emotion. It is a vicious cycle.
Addicition Process
A person's first time using drugs or any addictive substance, they experience extreme euphoria. The experience is usually extremely positive because the first time didn't effect their life negatively in any manner. The person most likely didn't have to pay for the product and the first experience didn't corrupt their job, family life, and etc.
After each time the person uses, they attempt to recreate the experiences of their first time; however, now the person usually experiences problems in their life like having to pay, missing work, or fights with family members. Eventually, the person uses to feel normal.
Pattern of Addiction
The pattern of addiction is the same for everyone and for every substance. Here is the process:
Trigger - Thought - Feelings - Seek - Find - Use
The step in this process where a person has 100% control is at thoughts. We can not possibly eliminate all triggers, but we can diminish them. At the thought step, one must learn to control those thoughts.
If a person is serious about recovering from their addiction, abstaining from the addiction is not enough. The person must figure out the underlying issues as to why their addiction started. This can be accomplished through professional therapy or intense self evaluation. *It's important to remember that if a person could have done it on their own, then they would have; therefore, professional help could be the best option.
If the person started their addictive behaviors to escape then there are two interventions to address the behaviors. 1) Replace things that the person is running from. Some examples are mend bridges between family members and friends, manage time well to decrease stress, or exercise to be healthier. 2) Replace substance use with other activities. Find positive peer groups, volunteer, or attend a church. If a person is passionate about reading, then utilize that passion as a replacement.
Support
The more support that a person has in the recovery process, the more likely they will overcome the substance. Support could include: friends and family members, 12 step meetings, clubs, a healthy environment, work programs, and counseling.
Love Me Book: Another Great Support
If you have someone in your family who struggles with abstaining from a particular substance then an idea to help if making them a Love Me book. The book can be used whenever the person feels the need to relapse to remind them who they are and as a support system. The book can contain poems, inspirational quotes, pictures, scriptures, notes from people, and etc.
I have a huge amount of respect for anyone who has overcome a substance in their life. It takes courage, will-power, bravery, and strength. I received a lot of information through pamphlets from Bob Stahn taken from the Well Spring Counseling agency if you're interested. Some examples are:
Boredom Fighters (350 activities to consider when bored)
How to Create a "Love Me" book
Activities that Reduce stress
Let me know!
Fundamentals of Addiction: The Cycle
negative emotion - want relief - addictive behavior - relief (which never lasts) - increased guilt and shame
Negative emotion can occur from stress or other things. The three basic reasons people use is 1) thrill 2) social experience 3) escape. Then, the person wants relief from the stress and starts addictive behavior. The person receives relief which is only temporary. The person then has guilt and shame from doing their addictive behavior. Lastly, it circles back to negative emotion where the person wants to escape that emotion. It is a vicious cycle.
Addicition Process
A person's first time using drugs or any addictive substance, they experience extreme euphoria. The experience is usually extremely positive because the first time didn't effect their life negatively in any manner. The person most likely didn't have to pay for the product and the first experience didn't corrupt their job, family life, and etc.
After each time the person uses, they attempt to recreate the experiences of their first time; however, now the person usually experiences problems in their life like having to pay, missing work, or fights with family members. Eventually, the person uses to feel normal.
Pattern of Addiction
The pattern of addiction is the same for everyone and for every substance. Here is the process:
Trigger - Thought - Feelings - Seek - Find - Use
The step in this process where a person has 100% control is at thoughts. We can not possibly eliminate all triggers, but we can diminish them. At the thought step, one must learn to control those thoughts.
If a person is serious about recovering from their addiction, abstaining from the addiction is not enough. The person must figure out the underlying issues as to why their addiction started. This can be accomplished through professional therapy or intense self evaluation. *It's important to remember that if a person could have done it on their own, then they would have; therefore, professional help could be the best option.
If the person started their addictive behaviors to escape then there are two interventions to address the behaviors. 1) Replace things that the person is running from. Some examples are mend bridges between family members and friends, manage time well to decrease stress, or exercise to be healthier. 2) Replace substance use with other activities. Find positive peer groups, volunteer, or attend a church. If a person is passionate about reading, then utilize that passion as a replacement.
Support
The more support that a person has in the recovery process, the more likely they will overcome the substance. Support could include: friends and family members, 12 step meetings, clubs, a healthy environment, work programs, and counseling.
Love Me Book: Another Great Support
If you have someone in your family who struggles with abstaining from a particular substance then an idea to help if making them a Love Me book. The book can be used whenever the person feels the need to relapse to remind them who they are and as a support system. The book can contain poems, inspirational quotes, pictures, scriptures, notes from people, and etc.
I have a huge amount of respect for anyone who has overcome a substance in their life. It takes courage, will-power, bravery, and strength. I received a lot of information through pamphlets from Bob Stahn taken from the Well Spring Counseling agency if you're interested. Some examples are:
Boredom Fighters (350 activities to consider when bored)
How to Create a "Love Me" book
Activities that Reduce stress
Let me know!
The Marshmallow Study
In my Child Welfare class, my professor told us about a marshmallow study. This study took five year old children, one at a time into a room with little distractions and gave them a marshmallow. The researcher told the child they could eat the marshmallow now or wait 15 minutes and receive another marshmallow. The results were: 1/3 ate the marshmallow right away, 1/3 ate the marshmallow in the 15 minute period, and 1/3 received another marshmallow because they waited the whole 15 minute period. The researchers followed these children throughout the lifetime and found that the children who waited for the marshmallow were more successful in life. The success was measured socially, financially, and academically. My teacher then applied the marshmallow test to our fast-paced society. Our society wants instant gratification. Many people struggle with patience, self-control, and self-discipline. I definitely fall into that category, because my biggest weakness is patience.The marshmallow test also shows the importance of telling children no. This test made me realize the importance of developing patience, self-control and self-discipline by delaying gratitude. I feel like in our society people rarely delay their gratification. If they want an escape they turn to drugs or alcohol. If they want sex, they have a one night stand. People cave into peer pressure by doing things they regret. Many rarely consider the consequences of their actions on their friends, family members, and mainly themselves. I would hope that we would all think about our actions and choices. Also, I would hope people would focus more on worth-while, energizing activities that focuses on what is most important in this life.
Watch the Marshmallow Test
More video on the Marshmallow test
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Triggers and Coping
In my mental health class, we discussed triggers that people have and how they cope with them. I thought about it and the only triggers that I could come up with are:
dirty house and money problems
How I cope:
working out
talk to girlfriends
Coldstone ice cream - cake batter ice cream
Make excessive to do lists
Play music loud and scream/sing to it
Walk dogs
Yoga
Watch television shows
When severe stress - bath and listen to Josh Groban
That's how I cope to my triggers :D
dirty house and money problems
How I cope:
working out
talk to girlfriends
Coldstone ice cream - cake batter ice cream
Make excessive to do lists
Play music loud and scream/sing to it
Walk dogs
Yoga
Watch television shows
When severe stress - bath and listen to Josh Groban
That's how I cope to my triggers :D
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
An Anonymous Article
“Just be with me, just be with me”. I can’t recall the number of times I cried myself to sleep praying that the Lord would ‘just be with me’ while the crashing and screaming sounds of mom and dad’s latest fight echoed in the background; “Just be with me”. But more constant than the Domestic Violence that ruled my life, the Lord was there for me.
My life was mundane, unadventurous and uneventful to the unaware observer. Depression was apart of my every day existence but not many saw that. Alone. One of the most painful parts of growing up in a domestic violence home was the loneliness and unimportance I felt in the world all around me. Did anyone see my pain? Was there anyone that wasn’t so self-absorbed to intervene in my life? But, I was the daughter of a dentist with all my needs being met. This is what they thought of me. How very convincing that family cover was to the community in which we lived. “What happens in the family, stays in the family” was the family motto that was never spoken but always pronounced. The façade that cloaked our family became my reality. Family was private and not discussed publicly. Dads are mean and hurtful but that’s normal. The line between right and wrong is blurry not clear. These were some of the lies that became truth to the child raised in a sadistic jungle. This was my distorted thinking that would one day come crashing down, and one by one be picked back up and pieced together to once again pretend to be whole.
Stories. The curiosity of man is reading this article and craving for stories. For details like the day I was forced to live as a dog, or the week my dad woke me up each morning by smashing something in my room with a sledge-hammer, or how my mother one day found the courage to take me and my siblings and run away from him, or perhaps the time both his straightforward words, piercing eyes, and the knot in my stomach told me he would successfully kill me one day. The details that make the reader’s stomach turn and then for a moment feel the emotion they hoped the article would bring like injustice, anger, a pang of hurt and sadness, or possibly tears. Leaving them to then strive for change for a mere day then monotonously return to their 21st century lives. But this isn’t the reasoning that drove me to write this article. Rather it was to say, “BE AWARE”. When confronted or witness a sticky situation don’t turn away. Be active and reach out to help someone in need. When help is refused or you feel you’re ‘tried enough’ don’t walk away for nonstop is the work to be performed. The difference one person can make in the life of another is truly endless. I know, because if it wasn’t for my Heavenly Father and the determination of one boy that never gave up on me I not only wouldn’t be who or where I am today, but probably wouldn’t be alive to tell you my story. I’m thankful for the inspiration, endurance, and love that the Lord gave this friend to aid in preserving my life. I’m thankful for the Lord’s unconditional love for me and His acute awareness of my life’s situation and needs. Although my family’s story doesn’t have a “happy ending” and my father has since disowned me as his daughter, I’m still thankful for the experiences in my life. I know that my Redeemer lives, because it was Him that was ‘just there for me’ each and every night.
My life was mundane, unadventurous and uneventful to the unaware observer. Depression was apart of my every day existence but not many saw that. Alone. One of the most painful parts of growing up in a domestic violence home was the loneliness and unimportance I felt in the world all around me. Did anyone see my pain? Was there anyone that wasn’t so self-absorbed to intervene in my life? But, I was the daughter of a dentist with all my needs being met. This is what they thought of me. How very convincing that family cover was to the community in which we lived. “What happens in the family, stays in the family” was the family motto that was never spoken but always pronounced. The façade that cloaked our family became my reality. Family was private and not discussed publicly. Dads are mean and hurtful but that’s normal. The line between right and wrong is blurry not clear. These were some of the lies that became truth to the child raised in a sadistic jungle. This was my distorted thinking that would one day come crashing down, and one by one be picked back up and pieced together to once again pretend to be whole.
Stories. The curiosity of man is reading this article and craving for stories. For details like the day I was forced to live as a dog, or the week my dad woke me up each morning by smashing something in my room with a sledge-hammer, or how my mother one day found the courage to take me and my siblings and run away from him, or perhaps the time both his straightforward words, piercing eyes, and the knot in my stomach told me he would successfully kill me one day. The details that make the reader’s stomach turn and then for a moment feel the emotion they hoped the article would bring like injustice, anger, a pang of hurt and sadness, or possibly tears. Leaving them to then strive for change for a mere day then monotonously return to their 21st century lives. But this isn’t the reasoning that drove me to write this article. Rather it was to say, “BE AWARE”. When confronted or witness a sticky situation don’t turn away. Be active and reach out to help someone in need. When help is refused or you feel you’re ‘tried enough’ don’t walk away for nonstop is the work to be performed. The difference one person can make in the life of another is truly endless. I know, because if it wasn’t for my Heavenly Father and the determination of one boy that never gave up on me I not only wouldn’t be who or where I am today, but probably wouldn’t be alive to tell you my story. I’m thankful for the inspiration, endurance, and love that the Lord gave this friend to aid in preserving my life. I’m thankful for the Lord’s unconditional love for me and His acute awareness of my life’s situation and needs. Although my family’s story doesn’t have a “happy ending” and my father has since disowned me as his daughter, I’m still thankful for the experiences in my life. I know that my Redeemer lives, because it was Him that was ‘just there for me’ each and every night.
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