Presentation Reflection

1. In what way did the first interview affect your presentation? Please explain, be specific and use an example. 
Mrs. Gina Tarango made a very good point about the fact that people overlook traumatic events and are later misdiagnosed, because they do not realize how those events hurt them. It is necessary to find the source, because without it there is no way of knowing what to treat. Although clinical depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are two every similar disorders, but the treatment for them are significantly different. Eye Movement Denationalization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is very effective for PTSD patients, but does nothing for the clinically depressed. Even the group therapy they are placed in is specifically linked with their disorder. Because the treatment  of the disorder is determined by the diagnosis, it is important to diagnose patients correctly. 


2. What would you say stood out about your presentation and why?
I think what stood out of my presentation is the fact that was very interactive. The whole thing was based on the class's prior knowledge, and it's purpose was to expand on it. Most people already know the basics of depression and trauma; it's the technicalities that confuse people. 


3. What was the most challenging to do and why?
Being able to keep track of time, and getting more that 1/3 of the class to cooperate were probably the most difficult parts for me. I had timed it prior to presenting, but I expected a lot less awkward silences, and underestimated the amount of time to clear the air between the two. People weren't as willing to cooperate with me as much as I hoped they would, and time flew by so much quicker when I was up there. I hope I can fix this later on by giving myself more time to talk and explain myself. 

Blog #3

Objective: To enlighten the students in the difference between trauma and depression symptoms. I will also differentiate between depression and sadness. I feel that as a nation we have become much more aware of depression symptoms, but neglect the fact that trauma happens to more than just war veterans.

1) I will begin the presentation by asking the class about depression symptoms, and giving them 30 seconds to tell me everything they know. I will write down the answers on a poster board labeled "Depression".

2) Give the class an other 30 seconds to give me trauma symptoms they know about. Again, I will write the answers down, but this time on a poster board labeled "Trauma".

3) I will give a minute long explanation on the difference between the two.

4) I will check for understanding by giving them 2 minutes to read three scenarios, and making them tell me which one is depression, trauma, and just being sad.

Resources/Materials:

• 2 poster boards
• A marker
• A cooperative class
• A timer

Interview Check

Who are you interviewing and why?

• I am interviewing Mrs. Gina Tarango, Dr. John Keith Smith, and Elaine Miller-Karas. Mrs. Tarango is a marriage and family therapist who has been in the field for more than ten years. Dr. Smith has been a clinical social worker and a therapist for more than fifteen years, and has treated a number of trauma patients. Ms. Karas is the co-Director and co-founder of the Trauma Resource Institute in Claremont. She has also been in the field for more than twenty years, and has been a first responder in disasters including Thailand after the devastating tsunami and Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina.  

What additional questions will you ask them? 

• Does this profession allow you to lead a comfortable lifestyle?
• How did you decide on your career?
• What traits or skills do you feel are important to being a good therapist?
• How did you start working in therapy?