Content provided by Pelican Cove Counseling Center. Written by Natalie McDaniel and Natalie Beltran.
When people experience a shared trauma, such as the recent fires in the Pacific Palisades and Eaton Canyon, entire communities can be left to grapple with the profound effects of grief and distress. Group therapy provides a powerful space for healing that allows individuals to process these experiences together while fostering community and regaining a sense of stability and resiliency.
Trauma can manifest itself psychologically, biologically, somatically, and interpersonally in many ways and varies from person to person. Psychologically, individuals can experience emotional numbness, anxiety, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts. Biologically, trauma can alter brain function and produce symptoms such as headaches and fatigue. Somatic, or bodily symptoms, of trauma and grief can also manifest due to hypervigilance and the body’s fight-or-flight response, and symptoms can include pain, nausea, sleep disturbances, and cardiopulmonary and digestive issues. Unresolved trauma and grief can also lead to issues with interpersonal relationships and functioning, as it can cause social withdrawal and issues with emotional regulation, communication, interpersonal conflict, and trust. These effects can impact daily life and lead to feelings of disconnection and instability. A crucial part of the healing process is being able to identify these symptoms, which can be an empowering way to begin to develop the proper coping strategies.
Group therapy is immensely beneficial for helping individuals heal after experiencing a shared trauma, as it allows people to share their experiences and gain empathy, support, emotional connections, and a sense of community and belonging in a safe environment with others who can understand their experiences. This safe environment allows people to build trust with one another, remain in the present moment, receive validation, learn coping skills, gain a sense of hope, experience catharsis, and gain interpersonal learning. These benefits can help individuals process their grief and trauma from their shared experience while combating negative symptoms of disconnection and mental and emotional instability.
The recent wildfires in the Pacific Palisades and Eaton Canyon area have devastated surrounding communities and individuals throughout Los Angeles county, with a total of 37,469 acres burned and damages over $250 billion dollars due to lost homes, schools, and businesses. There have also been significant concerns regarding air quality for vulnerable groups and long-term environmental impacts due to smoke inhalation, air-borne toxins, and the destruction of wildlife habitats and vegetation. Those who have been personally impacted by the fires can experience long-term trauma and psychological distress if they do not receive access to affordable mental health services, which is why early intervention and community support is so important.
Healing can be found in connection. Pelican Cove Counseling Center recognizes this need and has launched group therapy sessions to offer support to anyone affected by the recent wildfires group provides a compassionate environment where individuals can navigate their grief and trauma alongside others who understand their struggles. Additionally, Pelican Cove is offering three free individual sessions to those impacted, making professional support available to all who need it. To RSVP or send any inquiries please email contact@pelicancove.org.
