Treating trauma in the ‘age of the brain’: trials and tribulations of a bio-psycho-social-cultural approach in the real world
The last decade has seen phenomenal advances in brain science and in our understanding of the biology of trauma. This has resulted in many ingenious applications to assist survivor recovery. At the same time the field of trauma, particularly in the context of trauma generated by human rights violations, has become more aware of the effects of trauma at different levels of society, and about the implications of culture for understanding how trauma affects people, families and communities, and how healing and social reintegration can be assisted.
These are exciting developments, yet their practical application and integration into a coherent approach to service provision in the real world poses significant challenges for agencies seeking to ensure that their clients benefit from their inherent potential. Similar challenges face researchers trying to evaluate approaches that integrate interventions that span biological, psychological, community and culture dimensions.
This paper will utilize the experience of STARTTS to discuss the potential of an approach that aims to integrate interventions derived from new developments in neuroscience with orthodox psychological interventions and community approaches in their work with traumatized refugees from various cultural backgrounds settling in Australia. The conceptual, practical, and ethical challenges involved will be illustrated by case studies and service data. Participants will discuss how to continue to address these challenges to ensure that the benefits of new developments in the understanding and treatment of trauma can reach our most disadvantaged clients.
