Trauma Treatment
The population selected to be used in the discussion about trauma treatment is the homeless people. Homeless people experience trauma in several ways affecting their mental health, compromising their quality of life. Homeless individuals experience physical assault, sexual abuse, lack of food, and extreme poverty, leading to trauma, affecting their mental health negatively. Among the historical events that transformed social work is creating the first almshouse in 1713 in Philadelphia, which created asylum for poor homes people (Laureate Education, 2012). Later the clergy of protestant denomination tried to address poverty and homelessness using prayers in the 1800s. Several changes in the treatment of trauma have occurred in social work, improving social work effectiveness.
One of the changes in the intervention of trauma is the introduction of cultural consideration when treating trauma among homeless people, which has improved the treatment process. Including cultural competence in the treatment of trauma among homeless people occurred so that clinicians can understand the clients’ needs in a better manner and develop sound interventions. Another change in the treatment of trauma among homeless people in the development of cognitive processing therapy proved to be extremely useful (CSAT, 2014). Cognitive Processing Therapy proved to be effective in treating PTSD, which homeless people are prone to have from sexual abuse, physical assault, and child abuse. Cognitive Processing Therapy helps clients reduce trauma symptoms through, enabling them to process and change the unpleasant event, assisting them in improving their thoughts and how they feel.
Past And Current Trauma Intervention
A past intervention for the trauma that may be used to treat trauma among homeless people is the use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), which would help shape clients’ behavior reducing instances of disturbances. CBT may reduce traumatic symptoms improving the quality of life of homeless people (CSAT, 2014). A current intervention that I may use to treat trauma among homeless individuals is Stress Inoculation Training, which would help them cope with the stress associated with the traumatic events they faced.
References
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2014). Trauma-informed care in behavioral health services.
Laureate Education (Executive Producer). (2012). History of social work timeline: Trauma and practice [Interactive media]. Baltimore, MD: Author.