This Trauma
Relief Unlimited, (T.R.U.) Research Study presents scientific data to further
support the breakthrough impact of this new and innovative methodology. If the
T.R.U. Pilot Report was persuasive, this data is virtually conclusive. As one
of my colleagues recently remarked, “The data is so strong it hardly needs
statistical analysis” to “prove” the power and effectiveness of T.R.U. That is
not to say that further research should not be pursued. In fact, an even
broader study will be pursue in 2002. Moreover, a number of research
possibilities present themselves, particularly in applying T.R.U. to other
populations. For instance, T.R.U. treatment of military trauma, patients in
recovery from alcohol or drug addiction, the physically handicapped, those
diagnosed bipolar or borderline are just a few areas of possible study.
Although this T.R.U. Research Study should go a long way toward removing
any lingering doubts about T.R.U. effectiveness, we welcome further scientific
challenge, review and study. What this study did do is meet all the goals of
the T.R.U. Pilot Project.
It demonstrated the power of T.R.U. with a
larger, more statistically reliable sample. It demonstrated the power of T.R.U.
to effect change when matched against and untreated control group. Moreover,
the Research Study demonstrated the ability of another therapist, with
virtually no prior trauma treatment experience, to get very credible results.
Even more remarkably, she had only short term training. This opens the door to all kinds of possibilities for
training other professionals.
In a recent trauma relief literature search, I came across a current
article that said seven out of ten Americans are trauma survivors. The article
acknowledges that approximately 30% of that group demonstrate P.T.S.D.
symptoms. At any rate, one hardly needs to document the current frequency of
abuse and trauma. Concerns about domestic violence, school violence, sexual
abuse and other forms of trauma are widespread. T.R.U. offers an opportunity to
meet these, and other similar, problems head on. Now, the technology exists for
brief, powerful and effective intervention. The possible applications of T.R.U.
would seem to be virtually endless. The question always exists, will we as a
culture put the time, money and human resources toward resolving these
problems? We have a way, do we have the will?
From an economic standpoint, T.R.U. offers a great opportunity to
address problems of violence and abuse with “cost effectiveness”. The brief
intervention nature of T.R.U. could save both time, money and suffering. The
fact that T.R.U. is transferable suggests that others could be trained in a
relatively short period of time to meet an ever-growing demand for trauma
relief and intervention. Moreover, comparisons to other methods seem to suggest
that T.R.U. is “easier on the therapist” than thought intensive methods. The
fact that symptoms, once eradicated do not recur, suggests the mounting tide of
abuse and violence can be abated. Furthermore, “the cycle of abuse”, often
generational, can be broken.
At this time, Trauma Relief Unlimited, (T.R.U.) needs the support of all
concerned community members to meet even a fraction of some of the problems
facing us as a society, many of which are rooted in trauma. At this writing I
am grateful, beyond words, for the vision, support and pioneering spirit of the
Rhode Island Foundation and for the assistance of Brown University in making
this T.R.U. Research Study possible.
For further
information, Contact Robert M. Cicione, LICSW at (401) 941-2664.