“A Stain on the Soul”: Why Moral Injury Requires A Different Treatment Plan Than PTSD
with Bessel van der Kolk, MD; Judith Herman, MD; Rachel Yehuda, PhD; Ruth Lanius, MD, PhD; Matt Gray, PhD; Wyatt Evans, PhD; Bill Nash, MD; Megan Schmidt, PsyD; Ruth Buczynski, PhD
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I found this presentation and discussion very helpful. I have found that using some traditional Buddhist practices in these cases can also be very effective. Something as simple as acknowledging and expressing remorse about a transgresion we have committed can be very healing, and helps to releive that ‘stain on the soul’. Coupled with atonement and self-forgiveness practices.
It was good to see some mention of this in the last minute of the program.
I appreciate and share your valuing of deep Buddhist practices. Thank you!
It’s crucial to understand, I’ve found, that “making amends” is essential to healing. It goes deeper though, when the person who has been traumatized by committing acts deeply offensive to their deepest values –discovers they not only can offer something of themselves of value to others, but that in doing so, they are fulfilling a destiny: a wounded healer archetype comes to mind….The Injury gives rise to the Gift. Comment about the father discovering he can reclaim and offer nurture, intimacy, hugs, connection with his kids for himself, but that he is making amends for neglecting them, out of his guilt and alienation. Last note: our prisons with successful rehab programming, involve the wounded healers, discovering they are Good At Heart, and that the world needs their love and contributions. Blessings
I forgot to add that our political world also shows examples of people who did reprehensible, corrupt acts, and, often in prison, reclaim their humanity, and reenter the world with strong moral convictions, and actions, forever tempered by their past deeds.
I love the attachment concept woven into the interventions – rupture followed by repair suggestions when seeking reparations – it also touches on the Wounded Healer motif where the place of our wound can be the place of our healing and service to the world. thanks for such an inspiring talk
I have not heard of moral injury before and would like to learn more. It made me think of clients who have recovered from substance abuse and the effects it had on their family’s and coping with that information as a sober person. I would also like to learn more about ACT.
I appreciated the discussion on how someone who has committed an act that has left them with moral injury can’t reframe that act – they engaged in the act, it was a reprehensible act, they feel terrible guilt and they will not be able to “explain it away.” But they can reclaim their moral selves and make amends.
This session made me realize people who are addicted are often suffering from moral injury — ex. they’ve stolen money from someone they loved, they’ve cheated sexually on their spouse; getting high took priority over caring for their children… helping them navigate those difficult feelings while acknowledging culpability may help heal their hearts.
This was a wonderful workshop and I feel excited in applying the concepts I learned today. The information was tremendously valuable and can only improve my care for my clients. It opened my mind to understanding the different approaches I should take between PTSD and moral injury. Thank you so much to all the presenters. Elisabeth.