The Universe Beyond Trauma Surviving

This chapter details how psychological health today cannot be conceived of as just the elimination of a problem, but the promotion of a development of the individual. It criticizes the traditional biomedical model, which involves the correction of the deficit, and proposes the biopsychosocial model, which considers the complexity and individuality of each human being and adheres to the complexity paradigm, which requires thinking capable of overcoming determinism and simplification. Treatment today stands as but an offering of tools, including the relationship with the therapist, that can lead to change. Siegel’s thesis that interpersonal relationships shape the mind and influence brain development is presented next, and the topic of reflective function as the ability to read the minds of others and oneself, and how this can be exercised and improved in psychotherapy, is introduced. Next, the concept of mentalization as the ability to make meaning of the past, present, and future is introduced, and how this can be inhibited by stressful or traumatic situations. The concept of integration is then introduced as the process that connects different states of mind, creating a sense of coherence and continuity over time, and how this can be assessed by the coherence of autobiographical narratives. The concept of posttraumatic growth as a positive psychological change following a traumatic event is also explored, and the concept of resilience as the ability to live and develop positively even in the presence of stress or adversity was explained. Personal and social factors that influence the likelihood of developing posttraumatic growth and resilience are then described, such as hope, cognitive style, mental health, culture, and social network, and the types of changes that can occur in interpersonal relationships, self-perception, and philosophy of life following trauma are explored. Results of studies showing that trauma does not necessarily result in poor mental health are presented. Finally, the importance of relationships and connections in recovering health after trauma is highlighted, and the possibility of recreating psychological capacities damaged or distorted by trauma.