Citation

Welch TR, Welch M. Torture 2005; 15(1): 31-36.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

It is widely recognized that torture is among the most destructive and psychologically corrosive of acts. However, to date, the response from mental health professionals has generally focussed on notions of psychological survival and have largely ignored the effects of the fundamental intent of torture on the concept of self.

The paper will argue that if psychotherapy for victims of torture is going to be truly effective, it must begin to address issues of meaning and purpose, both in terms of the intent of torture and therefore, the goals of healing. If it is able to do that, it may allow victims of torture not just to survive the experience, but to prevail over it. Finally, it will introduce the concept of prevailing over the experience of torture as a psychological and spiritual state in which personal meaning, purpose and truths are integrated into a person's notion of self.

Key words: prevailing, survival, torture, therapy

Language: en