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Nov. 5 - 12, 2005
Baton Rouge & New Orleans, Louisiana
As we begin the second full week of our project with Catholic Charities, our main task is to we set in motion the programs established by the "scout" team and last week's group. From the relationships established in the 1st week, the management at Catholic Community Services was eager to schedule our small group meetings and make available the individual sessions we have agreed to offer. Our team of 5, all from New Mexico, had a fast learning curve to follow;
1. finding our way around Baton Rouge and New Orleans in heavy traffic.
2. creating a schedule.
3. completing paperwork needed for the research project that is being done.
In the small groups of 7-10 people, we offered a brief education about the normal biological response to trauma and what happens when that response is interrupted. We invited the staff to share briefly their personal stories and what resources have helped them to get through this challenging time. They had an opportunity to begin experiencing the difference between feeling grounded and resourced in the body and what the effects of trauma feel like. They were then given the opportunity to sign up for individual sessions with one of our team members.
The struggles that people face are challenging, and no one is left unaffected.. Some have lost their homes and belongings. For most, their work or living situation has changed; the time it takes to drive to work has doubled or tripled. Family members have been "bi" or "tri" located, and many are living or working in temporary and less than satisfactory situations. All have a sense that "life is not the same". These are a people of deep faith. Their families, communities and faith are deep resources for them. They were deeply appreciative of the presence of the "trauma team".
As our week progressed, it was clear that more people were aware of our presence. Our turquoise TOP nametags were welcomed and acknowledged. We heard stories of staff asking each other if they had done their sessions yet. The skills we were able to share were often a turning point for them to being able to face some of the challenging times ahead with a little more presence. For many, understanding why they felt what they experienced helped greatly in not feeling so disconnected from themselves and others. They often appreciated having "homework" assignments. Having some simple skill to practice when feeling overwhelmed, or sleepless, or anxious gave them a sense of control when so much of their lives feel out of control.
I remember when Peter gave us our "walking orders" before leaving for Thailand. "Show up, shut up and listen". Those were wise words. And I believe we will continue to learn how to do this. As we plan, we also have to be available to what the moment offers; whether it's a staff that is being told to be at a meeting they don't want to attend, to missed appointments, to miscommunications, we are each challenged to be more present, to respond to what we are being offered. We will continue to grow in our ability to do this. To be witness to and participate in this process is truly heart opening and mind blowing. To feel the incredible resilience and ability to heal in the nervous system is humbling. To all who are faced with these challenges, may this opening be gentle.
TOP Team - Week 2
Patti Lentz, Team Leader
Pam Burnham, Clinical Coordinator
Anna Katherine
Kristi Kennen
Ariane Mahmud-Ghazi
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katrina/rita
