Trauma Processing Can Begin As Wars End

The photo above is a shot of the citizens of Syria looking for food or a chance to leave their country as it is being destroyed in 2014. This week, they have the hope of returning. How will they begin to heal?

Regime change in Syria happened suddenly this week. The world has been changing fast in recent days. Trump has promised an end to the Ukrainian war. And the conflict between Israel and Hamas is winding down.

Whatever else happens, we can expect these nations to  perhaps begin coping with massive trauma in the months ahead.

Millions of refugees

How many people experienced trauma in these three wars? Begin by looking at those who had to leave their homes.

Syria: The conflict that started in 2011 resulted in more refugees and displaced citizens than any other in the world (13 million total, half of them outside Syria).

Ukraine: About 6 million refugees had to flee their country.

Israel/Hamas: Both sides have experienced so much trauma. We know about the 1200+ killed on the Israeli side when the  conflict erupted last year on October 7. But even before a study found that 100% of participants in the West Bank and Gaza (5.4 million total) had been exposed to traumas in 2021, including events such as land confiscation, detention, home demolition, and loss of loved ones.

How do we respond?

Trauma needs therapy. Therapists will tell you that trauma victims need a safe environment to process what they experienced. The goal is to eventually develop healthy coping mechanisms and improve emotional regulation.

Those of us who have experienced our own healing can help. Yesterday I spoke with a few Israeli leaders about it. They see a three-pronged approach to deliver therapy:

Individual and group counseling: This is usually the most effective way to help trauma victims to process.

Camp experiences: Camps can play a significant role in the healing process, especially for children and teens. Training camp staff are essential to create a safe environment.

Digital solutions: While online programs are in the early stages of being developed, digital solutions are beginning to revolutionize the way trauma therapy is delivered. Here are some key aspects of digital solutions in trauma therapy:

Evidence-Based Therapy

Digital solutions, including EMDR therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and other evidence-based treatments, have been adapted for digital formats.

Personalized and Tailored Approaches

Online trauma therapy can be customized to meet the unique needs of each individual. Therapists can tailor treatment plans, addressing specific trauma experiences and cultural contexts.

Use of Advanced Tech

Some examples:

• Video Conferencing: Secure video conferencing tools enable therapists to guide clients through therapeutic processes remotely.
• Mobile Health Apps: mHealth apps and SMS-based services provide ‘just-in-time’ support, helping manage immediate distress and offering emergency information.
• Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models: These technologies can enhance the scalability and effectiveness of trauma-focused interventions.
• Virtual Reality and Digital Games: Innovations such as digital games and virtual reality therapies are being explored to reduce intrusive memories of trauma and enhance motivation for behavioral change.

Integration with Other Therapies – Digital solutions can be integrated with other therapeutic approaches.

Cost-Effectiveness and Scalability – Digital interventions are often more cost-efficient and scalable than traditional face-to-face treatments. They can reach more people.

Continuous Support – Digital platforms allow for continuous support through various tools.

We are all wounded in one way or another. Henri Nouwen talks about those who have experienced healing as having the potential to become “wounded healers.” With the prospect of peace on the horizon, it’s a great time to begin the conversation about how so many people who live in deep trauma can begin a healing journey.