Counselors inherently bear the weight of their students’ experiences, serving as both guides and support systems in recovery. However, as they navigate the complexities of their roles, their own emotional histories often resurface. The paper presented by Atli and Çitil Akyol in “School Mental Health” sheds light on how these professionals experience secondary trauma while trying to facilitate healing for others. This dynamic not only complicates the counseling process but can also lead to burnout and vicarious trauma if not appropriately managed.

In an earthquake-affected community, school counselors find themselves in a unique position. They are tasked with addressing the immediate needs of students who may have lost family members, homes, or a sense of safety. Alongside these challenges, counselors must also monitor their well-being and develop coping mechanisms to ensure they remain effective in their roles. The paper emphasizes that this dual challenge can lead to a profound sense of disillusionment.

What complicates this scenario further is the shared trauma that exists in tightly-knit communities impacted by natural disasters. When an earthquake strikes, the entire collective experiences a form of trauma; this communal suffering can create an atmosphere of heightened emotional sensitivity among both counselors and students. Atli and Çitil Akyol explore how this shared experience can sometimes enable deeper connections between counselors and their students, yet equally, it can lead to a mirroring of trauma that counselors must work deftly to manage.

Individual counseling sessions turn into spaces where genuine emotions often surface. The paper suggests that it becomes crucial for counselors to employ self-care techniques and engage in reflective practices to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Peer support networks and professional supervision are identified as essential components for counselors dealing with shared trauma. These practices help sustain their emotional health and improve their efficacy as facilitators of recovery.

Moreover, the study highlights the importance of training programs that equip school counselors with strategies to handle the effects of vicarious trauma. Often, such programs include training in trauma-informed care, emphasizing the requirement for counselors to recognize signs of trauma in both themselves and their students. By understanding these dynamics, counselors can develop resilience and enhance their coping strategies.

The concept of the “wounded healer” is particularly poignant in this setting. Counselors often feel a strong connection to their students’ suffering. Their personal histories may resonate with those they are helping, which can create an emotional bond but also complicate their ability to maintain professional boundaries. Atli and Çitil Akyol suggest that acknowledging one’s own trauma can be the first step in breaking the cycle of pain and enabling healthier interactions within the counseling relationship.

Additionally, counselors are encouraged to integrate mindfulness practices into their routines, demonstrating that holistic approaches can serve as effective countermeasures against the heaviness of shared trauma. Mindfulness promotes a present-focused awareness that allows counselors to process their experiences without becoming overwhelmed. Furthermore, simple strategies such as breathing techniques or guided visualization can assist counselors in grounding themselves during stressful moments.

The findings underscore the critical need for systemic support within educational institutions to promote mental wellness among counselors. Schools should prioritize mental health resources that not only benefit students but also offer support for staff, highlighting the idea that taking care of the caretakers is essential for sustainable mental health practices. Institutions are urged to invest in creating environments where counselors feel secure and supported, enabling them to thrive in their roles.

Looking forward, Atli and Çitil Akyol’s research advocates for ongoing dialogue regarding the mental health risks faced by counseling professionals, particularly within the context of natural disasters. This dialogue is vital; it highlights the need for continued research into effective intervention strategies that account for both the counselors’ and students’ mental health needs in the aftermath of traumatic events.

Ultimately, creating an understanding of shared trauma within these contexts is essential for healing to occur at both individual and collective levels. The challenges posed by shared trauma during the counseling process are significant but not insurmountable. With the right tools, training, and support systems in place, both counselors and students can journey toward recovery together, fostering resilience in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, the consequences of shared earthquake trauma challenge school counselors on multiple fronts. As outlined by Atli and Çitil Akyol, recognizing the wounds of the healer and addressing them through innovative response strategies is imperative. Only then can both counselors and students emerge from the shadows of traumatic experiences into a brighter, more hopeful future.

Subject of Research: Challenges faced by school counselors dealing with shared trauma from earthquakes.

Article Title: School Counselors’ Challenges with Shared Earthquake Trauma During the Counseling Process: The Wounded Healer.

Article References:

Atli, A., Çitil Akyol, C. School Counselors’ Challenges with Shared Earthquake Trauma During the Counseling Process: The Wounded Healer. School Mental Health (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-026-09850-w

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-026-09850-w

Keywords: trauma, school counseling, wounded healer, shared trauma, earthquake, mental health.

Floods are not merely natural disasters; they disrupt lives, devastate communities, and impose long-term mental health repercussions. Elderly individuals are particularly susceptible to these impacts, given their potential mobility limitations and existing health conditions. The study by Atalay, Gündüz Zeybekoğlu, and Torpuş emphasizes these vulnerabilities, offering a voice to those who often find themselves overlooked in disaster management discussions.

Utilizing a qualitative research approach, the researchers conducted in-depth interviews with elderly survivors of floods in the region. Their methodology focused on understanding the lived experiences of these individuals, revealing how such trauma reshapes their perceptions of safety, community, and personal resilience. The narratives presented in the study illustrate the profound isolation and anxiety many elderly face in the aftermath of such events.

The findings indicate that the psychological impact of flooding extends far beyond the immediate disaster. Elderly individuals reported heightened fears of future disasters, leading to an ongoing state of psychological distress. Many described feelings of helplessness and vulnerability, as they struggled to find meaning and stability in the wake of destruction. This suggests a crucial need for mental health resources and support systems specifically tailored to the elderly in disaster recovery efforts.

Furthermore, the study highlights the critical role of community networks in aiding recovery. Interviewees recounted instances where neighbors and local organizations provided necessary support, from helping with cleanup efforts to offering emotional companionship. Yet, the researchers noted that this communal solidarity often wanes over time; as time passes, the urgency of recovery diminishes, leaving many elderly individuals isolated again.

The researchers argue that disaster response systems must incorporate these qualitative insights to effectively address the needs of elderly populations. This encompasses not only immediate physical assistance but also ongoing psychological support and community reintegration strategies. By fostering resilient communities, society can better equip itself to respond to the increasing frequency of natural disasters.

Moreover, this study has implications beyond Türkiye. As climate change exacerbates the severity and frequency of floods worldwide, it’s essential for global health systems to recognize the unique experiences of the elderly amidst such crises. The insights garnered from this research can serve as a model for other regions grappling with similar issues, urging a reevaluation of how societies support their aging populations in times of crisis.

Public perception often overlooks the elderly within disaster narratives, focusing instead on the more dramatic aspects of the calamities. This study challenges that notion by providing a nuanced perspective that elevates the voices of those who have suffered quietly. The emotional and psychological scars left by flooding are profound and merit serious attention from both researchers and policymakers.

In conclusion, the phenomenological study conducted by Atalay and colleagues aspires to catalyze a much-needed dialogue about disaster preparedness and recovery, particularly regarding vulnerable elderly populations. By embracing their findings, society can take strides toward building inclusive and proactive disaster management strategies that acknowledge and respond to the complex realities faced by the aging demographic.

Collectively, the experiences of these elderly individuals highlight vital gaps in current disaster response protocols, emphasizing the pressing need for comprehensive strategies that include mental health support and community rebuilding initiatives. As climate change continues to pose unprecedented challenges, studies like this remind us that understanding and addressing the multifaceted impact of disasters on the elderly is not merely a matter of ethics – it is a necessity for resilient societies.

As we move forward, the voices captured in this phenomenological study should resonate through the halls of decision-making bodies and community organizations alike. By ensuring that elderly experiences are at the forefront of disaster response initiatives, society can forge a safer, more inclusive future for all its members, regardless of age.

In sum, this research not only illuminates the particular hardships faced by elderly flood survivors but also serves as a clarion call for change. It demands that we rethink our approach to disaster management and support, focusing not just on the aftermath of these events but on the long-term resilience of individuals who have experienced the worst of nature’s fury.

Incorporating these findings into our collective understanding will ultimately lead to more effective policies and practices that consider the full spectrum of human experience in the face of climate adversity.

Subject of Research: Experiences of elderly individuals during flood disasters

Article Title: Flood disaster experiences of elderly individuals living in the western black sea region of Türkiye: a phenomenological study

Article References:

Atalay, E., Gündüz Zeybekoğlu, F., Torpuş, K. et al. Flood disaster experiences of elderly individuals living in the western black sea region of Türkiye: a phenomenological study.
BMC Geriatr 25, 717 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-025-06323-8

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI:

Keywords: Flood disaster, elderly, phenomenological study, mental health, community support, disaster recovery, Türkiye.

The study investigates how these young children, who have lived through an earthquake, articulate their experiences through their dreams. In doing so, it sheds light on the larger narrative surrounding childhood trauma and its manifestations. By exploring the dreams of these preschoolers, the research presents an innovative lens through which to understand the emotional and psychological landscapes of children navigating the murky waters of trauma. The findings pose pertinent questions about the long-term effects such experiences can have on children and their foundational emotional development.

In the case of Kahramanmaraş, a city that has faced the harsh realities of seismic events, the children’s dreams often reflected their fears and anxieties related to aftershocks and destruction. The research underscores the importance of interpreting these symbolic representations in order to better support vulnerable populations. Understanding the content of children’s dreams can provide vital clues into their emotional well-being and can guide interventions that are sensitive to the needs of those affected.

The researchers employed a qualitative methodology to delve deep into the dreams of preschool-aged children. This age group was specifically chosen because their cognitive abilities and emotional frameworks are still in the development stages, making them particularly susceptible to the influences of traumatic events. By interviewing the children and encouraging them to narrate their dreams, the research team could form a comprehensive understanding of the themes that emerged. The authors emphasize that capturing these dream narratives is not merely an academic exercise, but a crucial means of validating the children’s feelings and experiences.

What emerged from this qualitative analysis was a striking array of dream motifs that prominently featured themes of loss, danger, and insecurity. Many dreams included imagery associated with collapsing buildings, scenes of seismic activity, and feelings of abandonment. These recurring symbols function as a rich tapestry that weaves together the collective grief and fear experienced by children in this context. The research highlights a notable overlap between the dreams and the children’s waking concerns, suggesting that their subconscious is inextricably linked to the trauma they have endured.

Additionally, the study illustrates how the processing of trauma through dreams can lead to varying degrees of emotional resilience or ongoing psychological distress. Some children may display an ability to integrate their experiences into more manageable narratives, while others may struggle with persistent nightmares. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for caregivers and mental health professionals aiming to provide effective support for young children navigating the complexities of trauma.

Furthermore, the research delves into the broader social implications of children’s dream narratives, emphasizing the need for community awareness and intervention strategies. It highlights how collective trauma can create ripples in the social fabric of communities, influencing not only the individual child but also their familial and societal environments. The authors conclude that addressing the needs of traumatized children requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses families, educational settings, and mental health resources.

In light of these findings, the research offers actionable insights for educators and policy makers. Schools in earthquake-prone regions, particularly those with high populations of preschool children, should integrate trauma-informed practices into their curricula. This might include offering support groups, play therapy sessions, and educational workshops designed to facilitate discussions about emotions and coping strategies. Such initiatives can help children feel safe and supported, enabling them to process their experiences and dreams in healthy ways.

The implications of this research extend far beyond the immediate context of Kahramanmaraş. It serves as a powerful reminder of the necessity for ongoing dialogue about childhood trauma in the wake of natural disasters. Schools and mental health services globally can benefit from increased awareness and infrastructure geared towards providing comprehensive support systems that prioritize the emotional needs of children.

Ultimately, the work carried out by Dağlı and Dağlıoğlu presents a compelling call to action. By paying close attention to the dreams of children who have experienced trauma, society can cultivate a deeper understanding of their emotional states and pave the way for healing and recovery. This research shines a light on the stories little ones carry within them, and underscores the importance of listening to their voices as we seek to build a more compassionate future.

As the realm of psychological research continues to evolve, the insights gleaned from the dreams of preschool children in Kahramanmaraş may serve as a crucial thread in the larger tapestry of understanding trauma and its effects on youth. By fostering environments that not only recognize but also address these complex emotions, society can take significant steps toward healing and resilience.

Subject of Research: Psychological impact of earthquakes on preschool children.

Article Title: Dreams of Preschool Children with Earthquake Experience: The Case of Kahramanmaraş.

Article References: Dağlı, H., Dağlıoğlu, H.E. Dreams of Preschool Children with Earthquake Experience: The Case of Kahramanmaraş. Early Childhood Educ J (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-025-01927-6

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI:

Keywords: trauma, preschool children, dreams, earthquake, psychological impact, Kahramanmaraş.