I. WELCOME

My name is Dr. __________ and I am a psychologist. And this is Dr. __________, who is also a psychologist.

We are here today to talk about the incidents that happened at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon [use whatever description of the event would be appropriate for the age group] the other day. These are extreme forms of a traumatic event.

Some of the reactions I've heard are _________ and ________ . [Use a personal example to set the stage for an informal discussion.}

There have been so many different reactions and thoughts about what has happened. Talking about what we've experienced really can help.

II. FACILITATED DISCUSSION

WHAT'S HAPPENED AND HOW ARE PEOPLE REACTING?

A. What have you heard on the news or at home about what's happened?
What is everyone talking about? [The purpose of these questions is to get a feel for the level of knowledge of the kids in the room, especially if they are younger.]

What have you heard that's bothered you?

—>Prompt: One television reporter said that the U.S. "is on hold." That might bother some people because while the U.S. may be surprised by what has happened, it's not totally vulnerable or helpless, and it's certainly not standing still-lots of people are doing their jobs and helping others.

—> Prompt: What makes this situation different from other disasters
(e.g. hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, etc)?

NOTE: Look for indications of a constant state of anticipatory fear. Also, see attached document, "Psychological Impact of Terrorism."

B. Sometimes when things happen that are hard for us to think about, we feel anxious, tired, sad, angry, or irritable. Some find it hard to study and concentrate. Others may act like they don't feel anything. What have you noticed in other people?

—> Prompt: What are some of the things you could do if people you know seem to be having a really tough time with their feelings?

NOTE: Not everybody has a reaction right away-sometimes people have strong feelings days later. Or it might be the other way around. Remember that there's no right or wrong way to feel about what has happened. Also remember that feelings can change, so don't be thrown by this.

NOTE: This is not a time to make fun or judge your friends if they feel differently. If people are teasing or being hurtful to others, maybe that's the time to talk to someone else, because those feelings might be causing problems for them or for others.

C. Sometimes events like these remind people of other upsetting events in their lives and this then makes it more difficult for them to deal with what has just happened. Don't worry when that happens-just remember that talking to someone who can help can make a difference and can make things easier.

D. There are different opinions on whether watching the news over and over on TV helps or makes things worse. How many of you think it helps people to watch the tapes and listen to the stories on TV? How many of you think it can be more upsetting for some people to watch news programs of the events?

—> Prompt: What are some other ways to get accurate information?

NOTE: It's OK to turn it off or put some time limits on watching TV or to say to your family that you don't want to keep watching this.
You can also: . Take a walk
. Call a friend
. Listen to music

WHAT CAN PEOPLE BE DOING RIGHT NOW?

E. What do you think is being done right now to help people?

—> Prompt: Would it help to understand what's being done to prevent this from happening again?
—> Prompt: What do you think our government is doing to ensure that this won't happen again?

NOTE: .Greater security at airports
. Responded immediately
. Positive things have happened to try to deal with this
. We are resilient, constructive people; we are going to move forward.

F. I'm going to ask in just a minute what you think can be done to help people deal with the aftermath of terrorist attacks. Some people might want to say, "Blow them all up," but that's their anger talking and that doesn't lead to a working solution. We want to focus on what you can do that will be helpful and constructive.

—>Prompt: What have some of you done to feel better?

NOTE: . Write a letter
. Create a picture or collage
. Take action and get involved-work to make a difference
. Structure, consistency and routine is important right now, world can still be predictable in an unpredictable time.

III. CLOSING

Thank you all for taking the time to share some of your thoughts and experiences. [If you have downloaded handouts, pass them out.]

Remember, if you feel you need someone to talk to, there are a lot of resources. [Perhaps a couple local resources]. I/We will be here for a few more minutes should anyone have additional questions.

Again, thank you.

Questions to be prepared for:

Are we safe? Is my town next? Could this happen to us?

NOTE: I wish I could answer that we are all safe but what I'd like to tell you is that there are a lot of things being done to protect all of us.

Why was mom crying today? I don't know what to do to help my mom or my parents, they can't sleep, what should I do?

NOTE: Talk to other adults in your life. Suggest a family activity. Let them know there are still things they can do to make things better for other people. Most importantly, don't feel like you need to "fix" your parents' feelings.

Why did I have to go to school?

NOTE: It's important to continue with our everyday life and activities.

Specific questions about terrorism.

NOTE: See attached document on "Psychological Impact of Terrorism."

Psychological Impact of Terrorism

September 11, 2001's devastating national terrorist incidents in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania have increased our awareness of terrorism. It is no longer something that happens in far away places to people who seem foreign and unfamiliar. Terrorism has a presence in our lives that is unprecedented. Americans are no longer insulated from such destructive, devastating events. Our sense of security and our view of the world are indelibly altered by acts of terrorism. Our fearfulness and vigilance have increased with our awareness of our nation's vulnerability.

In order to be effective, psychological interventions in situations involving terrorism require a fundamental understanding of the traumatic elements of terror. The severity of the trauma is measured by the duration of the event, the number of people killed, the age of the victims, and the defenselessness of the victims, among other factors. The traumatic impact of terrorism is also greatly magnified by the fact that acts of terrorism occur by human design. Terrorist acts are deliberate and planned, they are sudden and completely unpredictable, and they are aimed at people who are in a defenseless position. The great threat of terrorism is that anyone, anytime, anywhere can be a target. No one is immune; no one is protected.

The intent of terrorists is to demoralize their targets and to undermine their sense of confidence and security. It is the ultimate hostage situation when groups of people begin to think of themselves as potential victims. The willingness to sacrifice innocent lives is the hallmark of the terrorists' ruthless commitment to their cause. They will use their power to vanquish their enemies by fear and intimidation. Victims are chosen precisely because they are helpless and defenseless. In this way terrorists demonstrate the force and destructiveness they will employ to reach their goal.

When people feel that anyone can potentially be a victim of terrorism, a traumatic atmosphere is created. People are killed in the course of their day-to-day lives as they carry out the most ordinary of tasks. This creates a sense of vulnerability and fearfulness that may persist for a lifetime, and that may put an individual at risk for long term psychological difficulties. This atmosphere of trauma needs to be addressed in psychological interventions with victims and rescue workers who have experienced acts of terrorism.

The basic law of terrorism is that even the smallest threat can ripple out to touch those a thousand miles away. The basic goal of psychological intervention is to understand the traumatic impact of terrorism and to use that understanding to minimize and contain this ripple effect within the individual, within the community, and within our nation.