45 Trauma-informed care organizations gather to brainstorm applications of Transcending Trauma Project research
March 20, 2018 | On Wednesday, March 14th, 55 individuals representing more than 45 organizations gathered at Thomas Jefferson University East Falls campus to brainstorm practical applications of research findings from the Transcending Trauma Project (TTP).
About Transcending Trauma
Since 1991, the Transcending Trauma Project has conducted 305 in-depth life histories with 98 Holocaust survivors, their children, and their grandchildren to examine how Holocaust survivors have coped, adapted, and rebuilt their lives and how their trauma and recovery have affected their families. It is the only research project of its kind that has conducted large scale life history interviews with over 50 three-generation Holocaust survivor families.
Findings from this investigation provide a broad perspective on both positive as well as negative impacts by examining the differences among families and how these differences result in differing coping styles and adaptive strategies across generations. The personal narrative information contained in the life histories makes it possible to apply the findings to other groups subjected to persecution, survivors of natural disasters, refugees, victims of violence, trauma survivors, veterans of combat, and those struggling with family dysfunction and abuse.
The application of TTP findings to trauma treatment focuses on the importance of working with family systems and directly impacting the role of communication and the developmental impact of qualitative family relationships.
Transcending Trauma: Collaborative Efforts to Promote Recovery and Resilience
Last week’s open meeting was an opportunity to bring various stakeholders from trauma-informed care organizations together in order to brainstorm practical applications of these rich research findings.
The day kicked off with a message from Deb D’Arcangelo, Council for Relationships CEO, and a statement of need presented by Ann Colley, LMFT, MDiv, MBA. Director of TTP, Dr. Bea Hollander-Goldfein and Co-Director Dr. Nancy Isserman then presented an overview of the research.
Several working groups throughout the day gave participants an opportunity to collaborate with other individuals within and outside of their own area of expertise. Inspirational speakers shared their stories and why they believe in potential of TTP findings to help more trauma survivors.
Dr. Hollander-Goldfein deemed the meeting a success: “The group process exceeded all of our expectations. We all deserve credit for the success of our investment of time and energy into the agenda of exploring how to expand the community’s impact on fostering recovery, resilience and personal growth.”
Next steps
In the coming months, the TTP team and CFR staff will review the proceedings and attempt to conceptualize target goals and audiences. Participants will be invited back to volunteer to be part of the working groups that will focus on how to best accomplish the goals.
We plant to prioritize goals and work towards their implementation step by step – building partnerships and involving those individuals and organizations with the expertise to educate, train and work with the stakeholder groups.
If you are interested in getting involved, contact us at traumaresearch@councilforrelationships.org
Listen to firsthand accounts of Holocaust survivor stories on our podcast, available on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts.