The Trauma Survivors' Resource Center (TSRC) of Lewis & Jefferson Counties: "finding light in the darkness" was established to address the needs of trauma survivors and their families, as well as to provide education and knowledge to the communities and working professionals about the impact of trauma.
The TSRC is a unique blend of professional and consumer expertise. Consumers are encouraged to take an active role in the creation and implementation of trauma-related services. The major goal of the TSRC is to strengthen the entire service system, from professional to self-help services, by employing the following strategies:
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Provide a variety of educational opportunities to the public, providers, and recipients.
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In treating or assisting those who have suffered trauma, it is crucial to recognize people's strengths as well as the suffering they have experienced. While survivors' suffering must be acknowledged, and compassion and empathy conveyed to them, it is also important that those who care for them must believe in and support their capacity to master this experience. Information and education help people's understanding and should be an integral part of the support and care system.
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Enhance recipient choices by providing and developing support groups for victims.
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Sharing the experience is essential in the process of healing. Many people may display a need to tell the story of their experience, to give testimony, both to externalize it and obtain emotional release, to gain understanding support from others. This varies enormously. It may occur simultaneously as natural groups come together after a disaster. However, there will be others who may not feel ready or who may choose not to talk about their experience. Those involved in the mental health response should be aware of these variable needs and be supportive of what the survivor wants. Support groups are excellent outlets for survivors to express themselves and feel that they are not alone. Simply knowing that others have been through similar experiences or are having similar feelings related to trauma can be very empowering.
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Provide the opportunity for the TSRC Task Force, a group of trauma survivors and professionals with expertise in trauma treatment to collaborate as a team, acting as consultants and advisors. The primary goal of the TSRC Task Force is to brainstorm ideas for improving services offered for trauma survivors.
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Supportive networks are critical and should be retained, reinforced, and rebuilt. These networks help people in the ongoing recovery process, both through the exchange of resources and practical assistance, and through to the emotional support they provide.
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Services Offered by T.S.R.C.
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* Counseling at Credo *
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* Supervision Support of Advocates at Victims Assistance Center *
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* Community Education with the Human Development Series *
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* Peer Support *
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* Individual Counseling *
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* Group Counseling *
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The Pearl is a community-based publication which encourages us to share our personal expressions of pain in hopes of moving ourselves and others toward purposeful action.
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(Click on each individual Issue above to experience The Pearl.)
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Spot~Light:
Lynn Taubenfeld, LCMHC, Mental Health Counselor and Coordinator of the Trauma Survivors' Resource Center of Lewis and Jefferson Counties. As the TSRC Coordinator, Lynn facilitates the Trauma Task Force, which works to expand mental health services to trauma survivors as well as providing psycho-education to the community, and other providers, about the impact and treatment of trauma. Lynn has provided training throughout the state of New York to fellow providers on working with trauma survivors. She also provides trauma services in Jefferson County through the Trauma Survivors' Resource Center as well as providing clinical supervision to fellow professionals. Other areas of interest include grief counseling, group counseling, and the use of Dialetical Behavioral Therapy for the treatment of depression and anxiety. She has received training through the American Red Cross and is a member of the Disaster Mental Health Response Team for Lewis County.
Lynn has been employed with the Lewis County Community Mental Health Center since 05/20/98.
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Visit These Links for More Useful Information:
Many Voices Press
National Center for PTSD
National Center for Victims of Crime
Sidran Institute: Traumatic Stress Education & Advocacy
Gift From Within: PTSD Resources for Survivors and Caregivers
International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation
The Sanctuary for Veterans & Families
International Conference of War Veteran Ministers
Handling Your Psychiatric Disability in Work and School
