Moral Injury: The Approach You Didn’t Know Was Missing
Terri Markham & Charlie Falkis | September 20 | 1:45-2:45 pm
Topic: Conceptual | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
You may be aware of the invisible wounds that victims often face, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), but what about the invisible wounds to one’s morality or soul (Barnes, Hurley & Taber, 2019)? A moral injury can occur in response to acting or witnessing behaviors that go against an individual's values and moral beliefs (Norman & Maguen, 2020). This session will take attendees on an intentional journey through the lens of moral injury (Price, Steuwig & Mashek, 2007). Presenters will look at moral injury through the viewpoint of a survivor with lived experience and learn how they have used this approach to move further in their own healing. The presenters will also explore how the understanding of moral injury has been a game-changing tool for working in the anti-trafficking field by hearing from a non-profit director. Session attendees will be provided with an opportunity to gain an understanding of the distinctions between PTSD and moral injury. They will also acquire knowledge on implementing diverse strategies to address moral injury when working with clients. Additionally, attendees will be given an opportunity to learn more about how they can equip themselves with strategies that can be applied in their personal and professional lives to cultivate moral resilience, aiming to prevent burnout within their respective fields.
Presentation Objectives:
· Discuss what causes moral injury and what the symptoms of moral injury are
· Describe the difference between PTSD and moral injury
Explain different ways to address and treat moral injury