Welcome to Key Life Directions
Group Sessions: Trauma Recovery After a Tornado
Natural disasters are shocking and upsetting to many. Such events are especially painful to those who have suffered immediate damage and loss, whether it be physical or emotional. The recovery process varies depending on many factors, such as, how frightened individuals were, the extent of the damage and loss and the unmet needs of financial hardships, housing, or medical care. Additionally, survivor’s guilt and the ability to adjust to change will impact coping. On a bright note, most families and children do recover over time with the support of family, friends, faith and organizations.
Children are often influenced by the adults around them during and after the tornado. They will turn to adults for comfort, with questions and for help. Although it may not be easy, children will fare best if the adults in their lives remain (or appear to be) calm, answer questions honestly and help with their requests if possible.
COMMON CHILDREN’S REACTIONS
- Separation Anxiety
- Changes in Sleep Patterns
- Aggression or Angry Outbursts/Tantrums
- Withdrawal
- Clinging to parents, teachers, siblings
- Increase in physical complaints, such as headaches or stomachaches
- Increased sensitivity to sounds of wind or loud noise
- Change is school performance
- Decrease in concentration or attention
- Persistent focus on the tornado and repeated talking of the event or acting it out in play
(From the National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
Trauma Recovery Group and Counseling
Trauma recovery groups and counseling can help deal with emotional trauma and improve coping skills for children, families and individuals. Key Life Directions is happy to offer services to help with the following: decrease sense of worry and fear, decrease obsessive thoughts of the tornado, nightmares, flashbacks, survivor’s guilt, low self-esteem, loss issues, inability to focus and concentrate and more. Coping skills will be taught along with exercises to help improve current functioning. The emphasis will be on positive support and the internal tools we have to survive and move forward to brighter tomorrows.
There will be groups to accommodate various ages. Sign up today!
Disclaimer
The purpose of these sessions is to teach simple relaxation techniques to help children deal with difficult situations. Group sessions are not a substitute for treatment. nor are they meant to cure any types of disorders. If a child demonstrates sign of unnatural behaviors (depressions, anxiety, etc.) we recommend you seek immediate medical attention. For the safety of our patients and others, we are legally obligated to report all disclosures of individuals wishing to harm themselves and/or others.
Meet our Staff!
Jill M. Fox, M.D.
Laura A. Perino, MRC, PCC
Doreen Pant MSW, LISW-S
Featured Article
Jill Fox, M.D. and Caleb, Golden Retriever, were featured in the recent edition of Toledo Alumni Magazine for their accomplishment with animal-assisted therapy. Full Details
Upcoming Events:
Adjusting to Life Changes: Job Loss
Group Sessions