Healing a House Divided.

In February I attended the American Group Psychotherapy Association Conference, Bridging Differences; Healing a House Divided. One of symposiums I attended was called Language, Culture and Politics: How Groups Influence and Shape Public Opinion. Panelists included Daniel Ellsberg, Strategist and Analyst, renown for his Pentagon Papers uncover up. David Harris, Political Activist and Journalist who went to jail as a resister during the Vietnam War and Terry Allen Kippers, MD, a psychiatrist who works within prison systems and is an expert on terrorism. Since I live and practice in Washington, DC and in the past I have had clients connected with the government, (Who in Washington doesn’t?) I was particularly interested in parsing out my professional ethical conundrums. For example, if I have a particular political view, am I as unethical when I don’t voice it as I am voicing it within my practice? The panel raised many other questions for me to ponder. The next day I attended a workshop on Teaching and Learning from APGA Trauma Modules which focus on how to define and handle trauma including PTSD. Many of the participants were professionals who worked as healers during crisis such as rape, Katrina, 9/11, Iraq and other wars. Their stories of their lack of preparation were chilling and stand as warning signs for all of us. A few days later my eye caught the following story dated March 1, 2006 in The Washington Post

Veterans Report Mental Distress
About a Third Returning From Iraq Seek Help

Excerpts from the article state that “More than one in three soldiers and Marines who have served in Iraq later sought help for mental health problems, according to a comprehensive snapshot by Army experts of the psyches of men and women returning from the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and other places.” And in a quote from Steve Robinson, who heads the National Gulf War Resource Center, a nonprofit organization” Upwards of 80 to 85 percent of people serving there have witnessed or been a part of a traumatic event, including engaging the enemy, killing people, or friends or themselves being involved in IED attacks," he said, referring to improvised explosive devices. "In Vietnam, there were safe areas where people could go to rest and recuperate. That doesn't happen in Iraq; every place is a war zone."

As a professional these issues concern me. It seems to me that few who understand group think or the psychological reasons for war can sit quietly and not speak up to educate others about what they know. I am sure that issues around the war in Iraq gurgle around the insides of most Americans. Several months ago I realized that most of my social dinners, whether with republicans or democrats, ended with talk of the war or terrorism. So, I put together an evening called Vent and Do and invited 5 people. Over 30 showed up. True, this is Washington where political thought is the coin of the realm. But even in Ponte Vedra Florida where I also reside and which is far more laid back, I find people talking about these issues.

I am a working grand mom who lives a multifaceted life. I also find that as a (S)age, I need more sleep. Thus, I like you, need to prioritize and make choices about my values and how to best harness my energy to remain productive, available, competent, joyful and loving. So I stop for this evening to be able to get up for tomorrow's Pilates and work. But, look at this week’s article on the home page to get a more in depth sense of what I am talking about. I am sure many of you will identify with my challenge to prioritize. Which door do I keep open? Politics, family
work, play or sleep?

And Furthermore,And Furthermore,And Furthermore

First They Came for the Jews

First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Pastor Martin Niemöller