Some Simple Guide Statements for Trauma Workers from

Dr. Honey Carandang of MLAC Institute for Children and Families:

• No one is immune to trauma.
• Trauma is contagious. Vicarious or secondary traumatization really happens.
• A social support system is essential to the recovery of both the person in crisis and the helper.
• Work with a team. Don’t do trauma work alone.
•  The first thing to do is: Just be there with the person.
• Listen to his/her story without judgment (when he/she is ready). Empathize, be with, accompany the person.
• The traumatized person must be allowed to feel and express the emotions that go with the experience. (This can be done through expressive arts like drawing, music, movement, drama, etc.)
• Never trivialize their feelings.
• There is a need to validate that pain, depression, anger, etc., as real and normal reaction. (e.g. “ What is wrong with me?”)
• Pain that is acknowledged dissipates in time. Pain that is denied stays on and the person gets stuck, cannot move on. (This is the paradox of pain.)
• People deny, accept and go through the mourning process at their own pace. Respect their pace.
• Finding meaning in the painful event is necessary for one to recover and move on.
• Rituals (family, community, cultural) are very helpful and often necessary.
• Be aware of your own vulnerability as a helper – your pain and issues – and own them.
• Know when you need to ask for help.

From: Carandang, M.L.A. & Sison, B.A.L.,

The Path to Healing: A Primer on Family Violence, Anvil Publishing Inc, 2004.

*Note: Remember that not all survivors may be traumatized. These guidelines are for those working with traumatized individuals. For questions and clarifications, you may email us at mlac.institute@gmail.com.