Make Plans

Make Plans (www.ptsd.va.gov’s PFA Training Manual, Version 2, pp. 65-66)

Goal

Help survivors plan to address their immediate needs & concerns

Recovering from exposure to disasters is often accompanied by a loss of hope, but helping people obtain and work out a plan can increase their sense of empowerment, hope, and restored dignity. Therefore, assisting the survivor with current or anticipated problems is a central component of PFA. Survivors may welcome a pragmatic focus and assistance with problem-solving.

In this action, which may occur in a single stage or throughout your conversation, help the survivor address their identified needs. Keep in mind that problem-solving may be more difficult under conditions of stress and adversity, so having someone to assist in making plans may be very valuable to the survivor. Teaching individuals to set achievable goals may reverse feelings of failure and inability to cope and reestablish a sense of control. These are essential components of successful recovery.

Step 1: Identify the Most Immediate Needs

If the survivor has identified several needs or current concerns, it will be necessary to focus on them one at a time. For some needs, there will be immediate solutions (for example, getting something to eat, phoning a family member to reassure them that the survivor is okay). Other problems (for example, locating a lost loved one, returning to previous routines, securing insurance for lost property, acquiring caregiving services for family members) will not be solved quickly, but the survivor may be able to take concrete steps to address the problem (for example, completing a missing persons report or insurance form, applying for caregiving services). As you collaborate with the survivor, help them select issues requiring immediate help. For example, you might say:

It sounds like you are really worried about several different things, like what happened to your house, when your dad is coming, and what will happen next. Those are all important things, but let’s think about what is most important right now, and then make a plan.

Step 2: Clarify the Need

Talk with the survivor to specify the problem. If the problem is understood and clarified, it will be easier to identify practical steps that can be taken to address it.

Step 3: Discuss an Action Plan

Discuss what can be done to address the survivor’s need or concern. The survivor may say what they would like to do, or you can offer a suggestion.