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Introducing recovery skills
SAID ALOUD
Introducing recovery skills
Aims . To deepen understanding of the helper ’ s role . To bridge today ’ s discussion with previous discussions .
Trainer . This morning we will look at how helpers can help survivors . It is important to know what the helping qualities are in your culture . What you value in a helper is a good starting point for teaching recovery skills . ‘ Recovery skills ’ are physical and mental actions that help us cope with difficult reactions , thoughts and emotions . Recovery techniques are among the tools we will work with . They are tools that can be learned and practised , but never forget that the most important tool is you – helpers with the good qualities you have described .
PART II : THE TRAINING
Discussion . The qualities of a helper in your society . ( 10 minutes .)
DISCUSSION
Form into small groups of 4 to 6 , and discuss the characteristics of a good helper , remembering the earlier discussions but thinking about your situation and drawing on your own experience . Discuss what qualities helpers need in your culture and in the circumstances of your country today .
Exercise 7 . The qualities of a helper in your society . ( 10 minutes .)
EXERCISE
In plenary , report your group ’ s ideas . Add new characteristics to the Good Helper ( Figure 1 ). Make her qualities as relevant as possible to your experience .
Remember to include the principles of the human rights-based approach .
Make a copy of the drawing . It is suggested that you post it in a place where you can regularly remind yourself of the qualities that a helper needs .
Trainer . We have described the qualities of the good helper . We turn now to the survivor ’ s needs , and to do so will continue to use the metaphor of the Butterfly Woman . Figures 3 and 4 help us to externalise reactions to trauma . They indicate how trauma-reminders trigger painful and overwhelming feelings . When we talk of ‘ externalizing ’, we refer to ways of talking about painful reactions and memories at a distance , outside the person , as we do when we tell the story of the Butterfly Women or use metaphors .
How can we explain to a survivor the healing paths out of trauma , and show her that her reactions and symptoms are natural reactions and symptoms that are to be expected . Through the Butterfly Woman we can explain ways of regulating responses in her body and her thoughts , feelings , breathing and heart . Because the metaphor enables a survivor to distance herself , and she does not talk directly about herself , she will not have flashbacks or feel ashamed as she might otherwise . Together with the helper , she will be able to reflect upon what is happening . She will feel she is not alone , she will understand how people behave when they experience trauma , and hopefully feel less shameful . This is good stabilisation work . You can strengthen her heart and give her hope ! It is a good idea to repeat that she is not alone , that you know her , and that help can be found .
Let ’ s develop Figure 4 of the Butterfly Woman .
Discussion . Responding to a survivor ’ s needs . ( 20 minutes .)
DISCUSSION
Study Figure 4 . How have you responded in such situations ? Share your experiences .