Working with Survivors’ Need for Control

The need for control is often seen as a negative aspect of a person’s personality. However, having a sense of control is a vital aspect of an individual’s well-being. And, for people facing or dealing with a traumatic situation or event, the need for control is an essential part of coping. This presentation will look at the role of control as it pertains to the individual’s sense of self, sense of hope, guilt and sense of future. It will also discuss the physical and emotional impact the lack of control may have on an individual. Interventions will be presented as how best to support the individual, including the concept of acceptance as a means of control.