English Mental health and gender-based violence English version | Page 161

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PART III : THEORY
H . They can ’ t come in here . There is a sign on the door saying that the room is occupied . So they will stay outside . Whatever you tell me is confidential . I will support you , and we will not go into details of the bad things that happened , and that may only make you feel worse . Just notice that you do not have to talk about the painful events if you do not want to .
I have one question that I would like to ask you , is that OK ?
S . H .
( Nods , agrees …)
Could you say whether you have any pain right now in your body , because you seem to be upset . Maybe there are some reactions that you do not understand , that you want to calm down ?
S . I am cold , and I feel terrible . H .
Yes , that is painful . I would like to tell you a little story . It might explain some of reactions you are feeling . Is that OK ? You are free to listen and also , if you feel that you are getting overwhelmed , you can stop me at any time . It is also good to feel your feet on the ground , you can do that too .
S . Yes , they feel a little dead . H .
When you push them into the ground , do you feel any difference ? Stamp a little bit , like this , when you feel your legs are getting dead . Does that make your legs feel more alive ?
S . Yes , a little bit .
Example of role play 3 : Calming a survivor who has been triggered
H . Welcome back . I ’ m glad you decided to come back again . S . Yes , hi …. ( She looks sad and distant .) H . Please take a seat . I ’ ll close the door if that is ok ? S . Yes . H . So , this is our third meeting . I ’ d like to know how you are . How do you feel today ? S . I don ’ t know . I don ’ t feel well . H . Would you like some water ? S . No thank you . ( She remains silent and looks absent .) H .
As I told you before , in my office I meet many people who have experienced things that are difficult to deal with . In many cases the memories of those experiences are painful and make them feel very sad . Sometimes it is difficult for them to either stop thinking about them or to make time to think about them .
S . Yes , I understand . H . Do you remember when we talked about the window of tolerance ? S . I don ’ t remember very well .