Models of care have help survivors to change their perceptions; to acquire competencies; to increase tolerance for losses, chronic pain, changes; to decrease vulnerability, and to avoid secondary traumatization. Survivors learn that memories of traumatic experiences may not go away, and that they need to live with pain and thoughts about that experience, rather than letting the experience take their life away from them. (Dahl, J. and Lundgren, T. 2006)
Interventions used by service providers help survivors to restore a reasonable level of functioning; protect them from further distress, assist survivors and their families to cope with symptoms and memories of traumatic experiences, to mobilize resources within and in their community. Models of care acknowledge one’s difficulties, provide opportunities for testimony, and recognize the importance of commemorative practices and rituals.