Somatic Experiencing Treatment with Social Service Workers Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

This study evaluated a brief body-based trauma intervention (Somatic Experiencing) for social service workers after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Workers who received the intervention showed reduced PTSD symptoms and improved resilience compared to a similar group that did not receive treatment. These improvements were maintained over a four-month follow-up, even though participants continued working in stressful post-disaster conditions. The approach focused on regulating physical stress responses rather than only talking through trauma. Overall, the findings suggest short, practical interventions can reduce trauma symptoms and strengthen resilience in frontline workers after disasters.