1st Edition

Counselling Victims of Warfare Person-Centred Dialogues

By Richard Bryant-Jefferies Copyright 2005

    In the United Kingdom since 1987 38,000 people have been referred to The Medical Foundation for specialist psychological treatment relating to warfare, and in the past 80 years 75,000 military personnel have received counselling from the Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society. The topic of warfare induced psychological stress and trauma is a vast one.

    This book gives an unique, person-centred insight into counselling victims of warfare (either civilians or military personnel) whose trauma is physical or psychological. It covers such topics as anger, death, nightmares, recovered memories, emotional and physical pain, and alcohol use. It also contains a list of useful contacts for further support and helpful tips. Counsellors, trainees and other healthcare and social care professionals dealing with civilian or military victims of warfare will find this guide invaluable.

    Introduction. Supervision. The person-centred approach. Responding to trauma. The military experience. Further thoughts. Silence and a focus on Ania's daughter, Maria. Sadness and anger at the death of her parents. Client cancels as her daughter is unwell. When the counsellor has knowledge that the client has not disclosed. The counsellor's congruence is challenged. Ania tells her story. Maria attends the session with Ania. Sympathy, empathy, healing and 'not-for healing. Bad dreams and more emotional release. Recovered memories - 'can I ever be clean? Tired of struggling, tired of living. Reflections on the process. Accepting the need to talk. Memories of a violent and personal death. A positive shift as Graham releases feelings from his experiences in Bosnia. Pain and compassion. A deeper cathartic release and a more conversational exchange. An act of unlawful killing? And alcohol use is addressed. Alcohol use and controlling intrusive memories. Reflections on the process. Epilogue.

    Biography

    Richard Bryant-Jefferies

    "I don't often finish books about counselling… This book is different…I was immediately engaged by the narra tive style, engrossed by the personal stories, and both moved and enlightened by the heartfelt reflections."
    —Steve Burchell, counsellor, West London in Healthcare Counselling & Psychotherapy Journal

    "…will appeal to the professional counsellor and scores highly in its attempt to address problem issues for the therapist – such as clients' concerns that counselling will be seen to damage their career prospects, racism, and when the counselling dialogue becomes disconnected."
    Occupational Health at Work

    "I trust that this book will reach a wide audience of all those who are interested in and committed to the welfare and development of young people."
    —Primary Care Partnerships