For Parents
If you’re a parent, grandparent or caregiver looking for information on how to help your children understand, deal with, and move on after a tragedy, you need not be alone as you help your children understand, deal with, and move on from tragedy. As your children look to you for help, the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) is available to assist you in your efforts. The following may be of help:

Talking with our Children About Traumatic Events

What Every Person Should Know About Trauma (.pdf)
 

When Disaster Hits a Community

The following blog from AGPA Community Outreach Task Force Co-Chair Suzanne Phillips may be of help:  http://blogs.psychcentral.com/healing-together/2012/12/connecticut-catastrophe-how-do-you-face-the-loss-of-children/

We hope you find this information educational and of value as you help your children understand recent events and dramatic changes in our world. 

If you think you or your child may need professional help, please contact AGPA toll free at 877-668-AGPA (2472) or 212-477-2677 or search for a Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP) in our online directory. AGPA also publishes a helpful brochure all about group psychotherapy called, “Group Works!” It is available online or by calling 888-808-AGPA (2472)

The material on this web site is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The appearance of any product, service or website link does not imply endorsement, approval or warranty by AGPA. AGPA has no control over the accuracy, content or availability of other websites.

Additionally, the following books are good resources for helping children affected by trauma:

Trauma Through a Child's Eyes: Awakening the Ordinary Miracle of Healing by Peter A. Levine and Maggie Kline

 

Trauma-Proofing Your Kids:  A Parent's Guide for Instilling Confidence, Joy, and Resilience by Peter A. Levine and Maggie Kline

For the General Public
If you’re a victim, relative of a victim, or just experiencing difficulty understanding or dealing with a tragedy and its aftermath, we have assembled resources to help you, including books, articles, and links to other helpful websites.  

AGPA Feature Articles: 
What Every Person Should Know About Trauma (.pdf)
 

Questions & Answers About Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Why Groups Can Help

Click here for additional resources

For Clinicians
If you’re a therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, physician, nurse, social worker or emergency worker being called upon to support and help those affected by the tragedy and its aftermath, the AGPA has assembled a collection of reference materials, including books, articles, and links to other websites, which address a variety of topics related to helping people affected by trauma. 

Learning Resources and Publications

Some Guidelines for Using Groups in the Early Treatment of Trauma

Notes on Psychological First Aid

Guidelines for Working with First Responders (Firefighters, Police, Emergency Medical Service and Military) in the Aftermath of Disaster

 

Group Interventions for Treatment of Psychological Trauma (Links to electronic versions of the ten modules contained in this valuable trauma training curriculum.)

 

The Role of Group Psychotherapeutic Interventions in Youth Violence Reduction and Primary Prevention - A White Paper

A document prepared by the American Group Psychotherapy Association with the support of the Center for Mental Health Services - a summary and the complete document for downloading can be found here.

AGPA Feature Articles:
Treating Trauma Cases Using Groups
When Disaster Hits a Community

Why Groups Can Help

 

Reducing Disasters Impact:  A Simple Guide to Pychological First Aid:  Excerpt from AGPA Member and Community Outreach Co-Chair Dr. Suzanne Phillips' blog

 

Volunteer Opportunities

For the Media
If you’re a member of the media searching for resources and information related to dealing with the trauma of disastrous events, AGPA is available to assist you. We’ve prepared a collection of useful resources, including fact sheets, articles, books, and links to other helpful websites. In addition, you have access to a panel of AGPA trauma experts from around the country available for interviews. For referral to an AGPA spokesperson, contact Diane C. Feirman, CAE, Public Affairs Director, at 212-477-2677 or dfeirman@agpa.org.

AGPA Feature Articles:
Talking with our Children About Traumatic Events
Questions & Answers About Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
When Disaster Hits a Community

The Role of Group Psychotherapeutic Interventions in Youth Violence Reduction and Primary Prevention - A White Paper

A document prepared by the American Group Psychotherapy Association with the support of the Center for Mental Health Services - a summary and the complete document for downloading can be found here.

Click here for additional resources.

• Other Resources

The following are links to websites that contain additional information and resources on responding to traumatic events.

 

www.istss.org

 

www.aboutourkids.org

 

www.nctsn.org

 

www.apahelpcenter.org

 

www.ncptsd.va.gov

 

http://smhp.psych.ucla.edu

 

http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/dtac/dialogue/issue1_08.asp

 

Repository of Internet Resources to Prevent or Reduce Violence and Trauma in Schools