I am in full swing programming a Healing and Guidance Center for Trauma Patients as my comprehensive thesis project of my design education! The programming process for the last 10 weeks has been so rewarding creating a foundation for an integrated facility that I wholeheartedly think should exist. I’ve written up a nearly 40-page proposal document for this facility, so I’ll summarize the key points for you.
First of all, trauma healing does not happen by one single method. There are so many resources a person with trauma can utilize to help heal! Unfortunately, not all of the healing resources are readily available or accessible to patients. Each of these resources are often spread out around a town or city, and it can be extremely difficult for a person with trauma to go seek or find these resources; let alone the stress involved in making calls and making appointments can be a lot for someone. So, point number one in my thesis: these resources need to be consolidated into one integrated center to create an ease of access, reduce stress for patients, and provide patients with a broader spectrum of the types of resources for their healing.
I did a lot of research this term on effective healing approaches, and my project program focuses on the bio-psycho-social approach which recognizes the interconnection between the mind, the body, and social relations. Another key point in my program: the body and the mind are so connected. Often psychological turmoil can show up as physical pain in a person with trauma. So, the opportunity for physical therapy, mind-body connection through activities like yoga, tai chi, meditation, and sensory stimulation by hot and cold water therapy is an important aspect of my program.
Another big one in this program is action-taking life-guidance. Often people with trauma have a hard time addressing the areas of life where they’ve experienced trauma, and psychological therapy can be a great source of healing; however, therapists do not always provide patients with action-taking assistance on certain issues. For example, if a person experiences trauma related to housing eviction, they may need someone to assist them in finding stable and safe housing because it could be difficult for them to address it on their own. The Life-Guidance aspect of this program brings social workers into the facility to assist patients in their daily needs.
In summary, my project program for this Trauma Healing Center includes 6 interconnected departments: Psychological Therapy Department, Physical Therapy Department, Mind-Body Department, Life-Guidance Department, Sensory Department, and Social Department. These 6 facets in the center will work together, catering their approach for each individual patient, identifying the resources each patient needs, and providing patients with the most comprehensive care they can.
Goals for the project: Provide comfort and refuge, increase trust between patients and providers paying special attention to materiality and truthful expression within the building, and integrate healing resources!
This project matters so much to me! And I can’t wait to bring it into the design phases of the project in the upcoming terms. Stay Tuned.
