Affiliations: New York Institute of Technology, Occupational Therapy
Department, School of Health Professions, Northern Boulevard, P.O. Box 8000,
Old Westbury, NY 11568-8000, USA. Tel.: +1 516 686 3863; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: This case study is a report of a rehabilitative employment program
that used trauma focused group treatment with individuals who suffered from
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) post 9/11. The program was developed in
order to assist them to return to the work force. These Individuals lost their
jobs because of the 9/11 terrorist attack and experienced financial difficulty,
yet because of their PTSD symptoms, had difficulty seeking employment.
Individuals were selected for group treatment based on the presence of PTSD
symptoms as measured by The Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale, an external
locus of control determined by the Internal and External Locus of Control
Scale, low self-esteem as per the Self-Efficacy Scale, and hopelessness, as
assessed through the Hopelessness Scale. Additional assessments (Role
Checklist, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Determination, Vocational Sentence
Completion, Activity Record of the Occupational Questionnaire, and an interview
that included a work history) were administered by an occupational therapist.
Results of these assessments were used to inform group co-leaders (one social
worker and one occupational therapist per group) of their members' symptoms,
coping mechanisms, attitudes towards work, rehabilitation readiness, life roles
and values, and use of time in order to plan appropriate group intervention.
Groups met for once-a-week 90 minute sessions. Group leaders used restructuring
and systematic prolonged exposure to encourage group members to describe their
traumatic experiences in order to neutralize negative affect states, mange
symptoms, and work through guilt and distorted perceptions. Members attended
until they began gainful employment. Descriptive data revealed that during the
first year of the program, 9/11/2001-9/11/2002, 262 of the 3,567 clients seen
(13.6%) returned to the work force.
