Dr. Lennis Echterling Consults on First Responder Trauma Following Hurricane Dorian

Description

The photos from the Bahamas and other places ravaged by Hurricane Dorian are heart wrenching, as are the stories of loss being told by the survivors. While the physical trauma is easy to spot, other types of trauma are not so visible, says JMU Graduate Psychology Professor Lennie Echterling, whose research areas include trauma and disasters, counselor education, resilience and positive psychology.

"The other issue here is that the support system is down too," Echterling said, noting that communities have been wiped out. "The social and psychological infrastructure is one of the first things that needs rebuilding."

When Echterling trains first responders, he emphasizes the importance of listening to the survivors. "Stories have to have an audience," he said, noting that story telling helps people rebuild their lives and provides hope for the future.

Echterling said the first responders need support too. In a disaster as large as that created by Dorian, first responders can often feel like their efforts lack impact.

From: https://www.jmu.edu/news/2019/09/12-pr-echterling-dorian.shtml

Involvement

Involves Faculty, Involves Participants External to JMU

Scope

Regional US Scope, National Scope

Date

2019

Frequency

Ongoing (Currently in existence, year round)

Primary Focus of Program

Governance and Public Policy; Health and Healthcare

Areas of Engagement

Community Engagement

Format

Research

On/Off campus

Off campus