A STRUCTURED STRESS-REDUCTION GROUP-APPROACH MODIFIED FOR VICTIMS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA

Victims of violence frequently experience high levels of physiological arousal and disruptions in mastery, attachment, and meaning. Treatmen t in the early hours and days after the traumatic event suggest that a pproaches emphasizing self-care and the stabilization of the victim ar e helpful. This article presents a structured stress-reduction group a pproach, Project SMART, modified to meet these needs for victims of vi olence. Preliminary findings suggest the efficaciousness of this appro ach. Specific clinical and administrative issues are presented for cli nicians who may wish to incorporate this approach in their practice.