Crisis and Trauma Counseling in Social and Cultural Contexts

Most crises and traumatic events happen in social contexts. This chapter explores conceptual models to help us appreciate the complex social, cultural, and relational worlds that crises upend. Effective counseling relationships begin from our commitment to developing our personal awareness. Cultures and groups that value individualism primarily focus on caring for themselves and those in their family, and they may tangentially help others. During times of crisis and trauma, power and privilege are at play before, during, and after these events. Abuses of power and privilege often lead to incidences of trauma, such as incest and abuse. We live in contexts in which many of our interactions during stressful events can make sense to a compassionate listener. Although people may have personal histories and risk factors that influence their response to trauma and resilience, the connections people have with their multilayered social worlds can bring gifts of healing.