Stephen E. Brock, Ph.D., NCSP1 California State University, Sacramento and Shane R. Jimerson, Ph.D., NCSP University of California, Santa Barbara
Healing from trauma is not serendipitous; it does not simply occur with the passing of time or because children are inherently resilient. There is, in fact, nothing simple about childhood trauma.When ignored, the memories and distress do not go away. (Monahon, 1993, p. 179)
Coping with the loss, death, and grief associated with the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, is a process, not an event (National Association of School Psychologists, 2001a; Pfohl, Jimerson, & Lazarus, 2002; Wolfelt, 2002). Thus, it is critically important for professional educators working with acutely traumatized students to continually consider how to help youth deal with lingering reactions to these national tragedies. In particular, the one-year anniversary of these attacks will present unique challenges to this coping process. This article identifies these challenges, and presents ideas and resources to facilitate healthy coping and healing. These suggestions will be especially
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