Thread by @hvovi

Sundays are devoted to free therapy for HCWs and COVID Grief. Was using #emdr with a young Health Care Worker posted to the #COVID ward during the #secondwave. During this time one of the deceased’s relatives, in a grief-stricken state, had attacked the HCW and beaten her

She faced and witnessed several more such attacks against her and other staff. As the intense pressure of the COVID wards eased by June, she experienced PTSD symptoms and found it increasingly difficult to go back to the COVID wards.

She felt unsafe in the PPE kit due to reduced visibility and felt she might be attacked from behind. She had nightmares, palpitations and intense fear, but continued to work due to the demand.

When she saw the ad for free therapy which I'd posted in May, she came in with apprehension around working through these fears. After the initial EMDR preparation Phase which included psycho-education, she felt readier to process the trauma.

Before the intervention, her stated NC (Negative Cognition) was “I am not safe”. Post-intervention the Positive cognition that emerged “I can keep myself safe, & ask for help” She reported later sessions that she can now enter the COVID wards easily, her fear has dissipated.

Her recovery makes me reflect on many things. Firstly, the healing power of this wonderful therapy EMDR. Secondly, the sacrifices made by our HCWs and frontliners which cannot be measured, and for whom any gratitude will fall short.

Thirdly, the fulfillment such work brings in personally as a therapist. When this young lady thanked me with gratitude, and asked how she could repay me, I said her recovery is in itself the biggest reward.
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