Collective Trauma and the Social Construction of Meaning (1 CE)

This course is intended for practitioners who work with individuals and/or groups that have experienced trauma. The supporting article details the ways in which individuals within a given society react to different types of trauma, and the consequent ways that such individuals construct meaning. This report also explores the process of meaning-making at the collective level among both victims and perpetrators. The article is divided into two parts. Part one focuses on victims, and their desire to remember and create a group narrative around the respective trauma. Conversely, part two focuses on perpetrators. An exploration of the changing nature of trauma is further considered with reference to the impact of trauma. Specifically, consideration is given to the way that individuals create meaning for the past, the ways that individuals navigate present challenges respective of the endured traumas, and related preparation for future generations.