Trauma, Transformation and Healing
The information below has been provided as an aid to treatment professionals and the individual’s in their care with PTSD and other stress and trauma related issues. Our intent in providing this information is to give those unfamiliar with Native Traditional Ceremonies a foundation for understanding the psychological, physical and spiritual healing benefits.
PTSD DIMENSIONS AND DSM IV
Provided below is a list of produced criteria with corresponding changes in symptom cluster via purification ritual.
Criteria
Depression, search for meaning, identity diffusion (C)
Changes in Symptom Cluster via Purification Ritual
Reformation of the self, positive mood, enhanced sense of centering and identity
Criteria
Physical symptoms, memory impairment (B, D)
Changes in Symptom Cluster via Purification Ritual
Tension release, relaxation, awareness focused on internal states, ability to concentrate
Criteria
Stigmatization/alienation (C)
Changes in Symptom Cluster via Purification Ritual Sense of unity, bonding, community and continuity
Criteria
Anger/rage (b, D)
Changes in Symptom Cluster via Purification Ritual Inner Calmness, acceptance of fate, release of destructive thoughts
Criteria
Sensation seeking/hyper arousal (b, D)
Changes in Symptom Cluster via Purification Ritual
Creative channeling of need to enhance feeling of vitality
Criteria
Intrusive imagery/affective flooding (B, D)
Changes in Symptom Cluster via Purification Ritual
Reformation of reason to enter ritual, transformation of imagery in less distressing direction, emotional calm
Criteria
Intimacy conflict (B, D)
Changes in Symptom Cluster via Purification Ritual
Strong physical, psychological and spiritual bonding
Criteria
Isolation (C)
Changes in Symptom Cluster via Purification Ritual
Enhanced sense of unity, bonding which contravenes isolation and aloneness
Criteria
Emotional construction/avoidance (C)
Changes in Symptom Cluster via Purification Ritual
Emotionally expressive, reduced numbing, counter phobic tendency reduced, interpersonal trust
SOURCE: John Wilson in “Trauma and PTSD”