Creating Paths to Healing

Summary

Laurie Anne Pearlman, Ph.D.

Copyright 2002 by Trauma, Research, Education and Training Institute, Inc.

Why is psychological healing necessary?

• To relate to friends, family, and community

• To raise healthy children

• To be able to earn a living

• To find basic life satisfaction and fulfillment

• To restore a sense of connection with God or one's spirituality

• To prevent future violence

What is the context for healing?

• Social and physical problems

• Psychological and cultural meanings of loss, trauma, and healing

What is required for healing?

• Respect

Ø Acknowledgment

Ø Justice

Ø Atonement

Ø Forgiving

• Information

Ø About events

Ø About genocide and mass killing

Ø About traumatic stress

• Connection

Ø With oneself

Ø With others

• Hope

Ø God

Ø Community

Ø Other people

Ø Positive vision of the future

Healing takes time and requires patience