More on Crime, Trauma and the Four-Phase Model

In a recent blog post, I mentioned that David Kaczynski, Gary Wright and I were on Northeast Public Radio discussing crime and long-term trauma. This is a topic I’ve been working on a lot recently, and one I wanted to explore a bit further in my blog.

In February, David and I spoke to the good people at the Mental Health Alternatives to Solitary Confinement Coalition, meeting at the Urban Justice League in New York City. This group is working to gain appropriate psychiatric care for inmates with severe mental illnesses. We talked about how the Fennell Four-Phase Model (FFPM) can describe the universe of trauma that emerges from violence and crime.

When we talk about violence, we naturally think about the victim’s experience of trauma — how is that person coping with what has been done to him or her? However, for the good of our community, we need to recognize that violence and crime can cause trauma in all parties involved in a crime — the victim, of course, but also family and close friends, but also the perpetrator, his family and friends, and even the law enforcement community which is trying to bring justice to the situation. For example, families of perpetrators are frequently traumatized by the impact of what their loved one has done to harm another. In addition, many criminals have been victims of trauma before they turn to violence.

FFPM describes the phases that any of these parties experience due to long-term trauma. It doesn’t pass judgment on any of the parties – it is a values-neutral, systems-based approach that understands that trauma is painful for all parties in different ways. It acknowledges that trauma-related symptoms change over time and in response to different experiences and circumstances.

It recognizes that if trauma isn’t treated, it is likely to be repeated.

People who have long-term trauma go through four predictable phases. In Phase 1, Crisis, the person is trying to contain the urgency and focus on the things that are necessary to cope with day-to-day life. In Phase 2, Stabilization, the person is carving order out of chaos and developing new norms. In Phase 3, Resolution, the person establishes an authentic new self and develops a supportive, meaningful philosophy. And, in Phase 4, Integration, the person appreciates that the experience is part of his or her life, but not something that defines him or her.

Once we have assessed the person’s Phase we can implement targeted psychiatric, physical and behavioral treatments to help them progress to the next level on the pathway toward Integration. And, by continually assessing and taking into consideration the impact of life events on the experience of trauma, we can limit regression into earlier Phases during times of greater stress.

When we view crime in light of the long-term trauma and Phase model, we open the door to resolution and healing, and development of a safer, more just society.

An Interview on Long-Term Trauma and Crime

On December 11, David Kaczynski, Gary Wright and I were guests on the popular and respected “Alan Chartock… In Conversation With” program on Northeast Public Radio.

We talked broadly with Alan about long-term trauma, particularly the mental and physical health symptoms often experienced by people involved with a crime. We discussed how crucial it is for those impacted by violence — including victims, offenders, their children, partners and families, as well as law-enforcement and other professionals who work with crime victims and offenders – to heal from the loss and trauma they experienced so that they can go on to live full lives.

We also talked specifically about the experiences of David, brother of Unabomber Ted Kaczynski, and Gary, one of Ted’s surviving victims. In 1996, David and his wife, Linda, made the difficult decision to approach the FBI with their suspicions that David’s brother might be involved in a series of bombings that caused three deaths and numerous injuries over 17 years. David and Gary have forged a close bond through the experience of working to recover from their individual traumas, a friendship that has enriched both of their lives.

The interview has recently been posted on the WAMC/Northeast Public Radio Web site, and I hope you’ll take the opportunity to listen and let me know what you think.

Alan Chartock… In Conversation with David Kaczynski, Gary Wright and Patricia Fennell, 12/11/09