Crisis and Trauma Counseling

(MPS441DN)

CIA I
Exploring Trauma Narratives: An Interview-Based Case Study

Topic: Bullying

Submitted by:
Nandini Maheshwari (22223071)
Yashita Chhabra (22223134)

Submitted to:
Dr. Oindrila Mukherjee
Assistant Professor

Submitted on:
5th February, 2024

Department of Psychology,
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
CHRIST (Deemed To Be University) Delhi NCR
Interview schedule:

1. Could you briefly describe the event that happened to you?

2. How do you prefer to talk about your experiences, and is there anything specific you
would like me to keep in mind during our conversation?

3. What has been helpful for you in coping with the challenges you've faced?

4. Are there particular support systems or individuals who have played a significant
role in your healing process?

5. Have you found strength or resilience in the face of adversity? Any examples?

6. Can you describe any strategies or coping mechanisms that have been effective for
you?

7. How has your perspective on life and relationships evolved as a result of your
experiences?

8. Are there misconceptions about your journey that you'd like to address or clarify?

9. How do you navigate triggers or difficult moments about the incident, and what has
helped you feel more in control?
 10. Are there aspects of your story important for others to understand to support you
better?

11. Do you experience any emotional, behavioral, or cognitive signs of the incident?

Interview Transcript

Interviewer- Hi, how are you doing today?

Interviewee- I'm really good. How are you?

Interviewer- I'm fine. Thank you so much for taking the time with me to give this interview. So,
could you briefly describe the event that happened with you?

Interviewee- So when I was basically in my 7th-8th class, I was a very fat kid basically, still am,
but I was more so because during that time, I didn't know what happened. I was very like very
introverted and very shy. So a lot of my classmates used to pick on me and I wasn’t able to
defend myself which kind of puts me in a lot of distress. Like I told my teachers I told everything
but it just didn't happen and then later on, I was there till 10th in that school, but I somehow
coped up and then in my finally they stopped doing it. I kind of told them I told everyone and
then kind of stop, but it did affect me. It affects my self-esteem and everything. But later on
when I was so later on when I went to a therapy session like because I was facing a lot of
problems due to that I opened up to a therapist. I felt good, I felt validated and then I understood
that that is not me. I kind of understood my purpose. Again, I am still in that process of getting
that confidence again, but I don't feel angry about it. Like it is still feel but I am able to forgive
myself.
Interviewer- I think that you’re healing finally. It must have been a very difficult conversation
for you and I hope you are okay with sharing it.

Interviewee- I am. I didn't share it with somebody but it caused me a lot of stress. But when I
started to speak about it more frequently with other people and sharing it, I felt more happy. I felt
more light so it is not difficult, it’s actually easy . It's actually taken a big weight off my heart. It
is good to speak about your problem like a lot of these people who suffer they become they feel
that they're a victim always. And I was also one of them. I felt that but later felt that no one is a
victim. And we should not victimize yourself because you're not a victim.

Interviewer- Yes, You’re absolutely right. So, I hear that therapy was a coping mechanism for
you, like it really helped you from what you’re telling me. So what has been helpful for you in
coping with the challenges you've faced apart from therapy?

Interviewee- As I was telling you before, speaking about it in itself has been helpful, but it gave
me a people-pleasing tendency, it kind of came ingrained in me. I did not understand what was
happening. Like I was telling you, later on when I met one of my bullies, he didn’t say or do
anything, but seeing him kind of re-triggered me. It forced me to go for therapy because it was
very difficult for me to cope with it. Later on, when I opened up about everything to my
therapist, I felt validated and heard for a long time. Because of that, I have no proper friend circle
and due to family reasons, we have to shift a lot. So it kind of acted like a barrier in making good
friends and having a strong emotional and social support. So that put me a bit more into
people-pleasing, I wanted someone to be with me but I didn’t have anyone. But I understand that
I should stop that and make more meaningful connections by being myself.

Interviewer- Okay, and are there any particular support systems or individuals who have played a
significant role in your healing process?

Interviewee- When I spoke to my parents again, I kind of cried in front of them, from which I
felt relieved, because a lot of these emotions, a lot of these emotions were, like repressed and I
didn't express it properly at the time when it was happening, but later I felt happy. And whenever
the topic of this was brought up when I was a kid, and I tried to hide it or not tell it, it triggered
me more. The time I've opened it about it, it has given me strength only, like it has put me like,
I'm not telling what they’ve done is okay. But it is in the past. It helps me to make more sense
about what has happened. And it reduces the anger also.

Interviewer- No, that's great. And have you found strength or resilience in the face of adversity?

Interviewee- Yes yes

Interviewer- Any example?

Interviewee- Like, during that time, when I was facing all this, I was very, like, I wish to give up
very easily on things. But after my whole therapy, and everything I tried to give another short to
everything. If it is not happening one time, I try to do it again and again, until it is not them like
no, I don't know if it's strength but I don't give up that easily, be it college or anything. If it's not
happening once I try to give it another shot.

Interviewer- That's nice. I know you've told me that your perspective has shifted. But could you
elaborate on how your perspective has changed and evolved as a result of your experiences?

Interviewee- Like it has made me more introspective of my own behavior, my own shortcomings
and on my fallback like because when you are bullied, you feel that you are a victim, you kind of
you blame everyone in your life, that he did that to me and you don't see your mistakes. I'm not
telling that bully happened because of my mistake. But there's a lot of other things, which you
did. And you give false justification to other in the name of being a victim. So, you always do a
lot of self- pity, which is good for some time, but later on, it puts you in a very bad state and you
should never be in a pity or blame yourself or others because that happened. That happened, now
it is gone. Go ahead in life, what I feel. It is not easy, but it is not that difficult also. If you really
want to go ahead and move on, you can. Some parts of it will always be there but I have realized
there is never closure, you have to make the closure yourself, be it incomplete or complete
closure. So I’ve put a kind of a closure and I've moved on in my life, and made it more busy and
I try to make it more better.

Interviewer- Are there any misconceptions about your journey that you'd like to address or
clarify? Like you told me that earlier you thought you were victimizing yourself, then. And you
said that it's not good to victimize yourself all the time; people need to move on and have a
strong face because not everything that happens is external.

Interviewee- So when I was victimizing myself, I was not able to do basic tasks, like I wanted to
quit involve a lot of activities, but I kind of I was what I realized, later on, I was pushing myself
down and I was self-sabotaging myself. Whenever I wanted to express something to someone, I
was unable to do that. So when I realized what I was doing, I tried to change my pattern and I
still am in the process of doing it. Whatever I feel like, I am able to communicate, which I feel is
a boon for me. I have to be more confident in class but I’m still managing. I feel like I'm being
myself, which I was not before.

Interviewer- That’s great. And are there any aspects of your story that you feel are important for
others to understand, in order to support you better?

Interviewee- I feel that we should always support ourselves. Because the problem is we're
looking at support from outside, others will also support, but the thing is people are very
temporary in nature. You are lucky if you get two three people who are your social support, but
you will never get you can't rely on people, I mean you should rely on people. But then if you're
not able to get that support, you have to be your own support. And then you should improve
yourself, build people skills and try to find more meaningful relations, which I'm in the process
of not. I’m still not being able to get more meaningful relations. I want to be in more meaningful
relations with people. Like I want to have a relationship with someone.

Interviewer- Surely you’ll get that I think slowly and slowly. Like when you find the right
people. I think you will get those relationships. And so after the incident, did you? Or do you still
experience any cognitive, behavioral, or emotional signs?
Interviewee- Like, I started to feel very, whenever the thoughts used to come, I used to feel very
triggered, it used to bring me anger in that, like, I will, I will go beat them, I will destroy them.
But later I realized it was troubling me a lot. Like, I'm not able to come completely out of it. But
I've realized that that anger is not justified. Because now whatever you do, do, it doesn't make
sense. As it’s long gone and I have to make my growth. And if people are cruel, if you also
behave the same way with them, then what is the difference between you and them? That that
anger is still there, but I don't pay that much attention to that. I try to put it in some other ways,
or I write it down my feelings, I use journal or things to do, I kind of write it down to make it
more meaningful.

Interviewer- And I think that's a great perspective to have. Okay, thank you so much for sharing
your journey with me. I really appreciate it. And I hope that you find the meaningful
relationships that you're trying to get.

Interviewee- Thank you very much. Thank you. Because whenever I talk about it every time, I
kind of analyze and self-introspect it and it helps me kind of helps me put more in perspective
the things I want. So thank you.

Key Themes and Patterns Identified from the Interview:

The Effects of Bullying:

The interviewee talks about their experiences being bullied in the seventh and eighth grades,
emphasizing the psychological pain, problems with their self-worth, and the long-lasting effects
it had on them.

Coping Strategies:
It is widely accepted that therapy is an important coping strategy that fosters emotions of
understanding, purpose, and validation.
Even though talking about the events resulted in the formation of a people-pleasing attitude, it is
acknowledged that doing so is beneficial.

People-pleasing Tendency:
The interviewee talks about how meeting one of their bullies, in particular, led to the
development of a people-pleasing attitude.
It is acknowledged that this inclination needs to be reversed to concentrate on connecting with
people more deeply through authenticity.

Family Support:
Opening up to parents is pivotal in the healing process, providing relief and strength by
expressing repressed emotions.
Acknowledging that specific topics trigger negative emotions showcases the complexity of
discussing past experiences.

Strength and Resilience:

By persevering through difficulties, the interviewee demonstrates strength and resilience.
They emphasize persistence by continuously attempting to overcome obstacles, demonstrating
the strength of character that they have gradually gained.

Changes in Perspective:
The interviewee considers how their viewpoint has changed over time, especially after being
bullied, growing more self-aware of their actions and flaws.
A primary subject is transitioning from a victim attitude to accepting accountability for one's
actions and eschewing self-pity rather than victimizing oneself.

Closure and Moving On

The significance of achieving personal closure is emphasized, focusing on the continuous
process of moving on and staying occupied to enhance general well-being.
Self-Sabotage and Communication:
During the victimization phase, self-destructive behaviors are acknowledged, which makes it
challenging to carry out daily chores and communicate oneself.
The interviewee is working to break these habits, emphasizing confidence-building and efficient
communication.

Misconceptions:
The misconception of victimizing oneself is discussed, revealing its negative impact on daily
functioning and activities.
The respondent emphasizes the significance of self-awareness and avoiding self-blame for a
healthier outlook on life. Overall, the interview comprehensively explores the interviewee's
journey, showcasing the complexities of healing, personal growth, and the importance of support
systems and self-awareness.

Analysis of Interviewee's Coping Strategies and Resilience:

Some coping strategies the interviewee discussed were therapy and having a support system to
confide in. Another important aspect the participant emphasized was not victimizing oneself and
becoming weak after any crisis.

The interviewee faced bullying during their 7th-8th grades, resulting in distress and self-esteem
issues. Initially, teachers were informed as a coping mechanism, but this didn't work. Until they
took decisive action, the situation continued.

Introduction of Therapy: Seeking treatment gave the participant emotional comfort, affirmation,
and a feeling of purpose, which was the pivotal moment. Despite difficulties, therapy was
essential to the healing process and helped the interviewee see things more optimistically.
Impact of Sharing Experiences: Although initially complicated, talking about their experiences
became an essential coping strategy. Happiness and a feeling of lightness were enhanced when
feelings were shared with others as opposed to being bottled up.

Individual Appeasing Tendency: Unintentionally, coping mechanisms like sharing and therapy
contributed to the emergence of a people-pleasing inclination. This behavior was re-triggered by
the interaction with the old bully, highlighting the importance of ongoing self-awareness.

Family Support as a Pillar- Opening up to parents and crying in front of them became a
significant source of strength and comfort. The admission that talking about some subjects made
you feel bad emphasizes how difficult recovery is.

Evolution of Perspective: The interviewee's perspective changed from a victim mindset to

self-awareness and accountability.
Acknowledging one's shortcomings and refraining from self-pity in healing became imperative.

Closure and Forward Motion: Self-initiated closure is emphasized, and it is acknowledged that
closure is an ongoing process instead of a one-time occurrence. The participant said that
although their anger still exists, they try to ignore it by writing, journaling, and other forms of
self-distraction.

Addressing Misconceptions: This involves recognizing and altering self-defeating behaviors

instead of victimizing oneself. Emphasis on clear communication enables the interviewee to
appear more assured and genuine.

The importance of self-support is highlighted by the necessity of self-reliance and the

temporariness of external support.
The continuous process of developing deep connections and realizing how important it is to
support others.

Theoretical Concepts
Crisis:
A time of crisis is a condition of being; it is an internal sense of confusion and anxiety to
the extent that our coping strategies, which were formerly helpful, fail us and are replaced by
poor choices and actions. Consequently, the individual experiencing a crisis could feel helpless,
sad, furious, vulnerable, nervous, scared, bewildered, and guilty.
Here, the interviewee faced bullying in eighth and ninth grade. He went through anxiety
and psychological pain, which had long-lasting effects on them and their self-esteem.
There are two kinds of crisis:
1. Situational crisis: A sudden and unexpected event that causes disruption and
stress.
2. Developmental crisis: Challenges associated with life’s transitions and
development stages.
The interviewee had gone through a developmental crisis. Bullying was the crisis he
faced while he was in seventh and eighth grade. His phase of transition or development had
come with a considerable amount of stress and disruption. The impact of it is still there in his
mind.
There are three stages of crisis:
1. Pre-crisis: The period before the crisis occurs, where individuals or systems may
be vulnerable or experiencing stress.
The interviewee had experienced a considerable deal of stress while he was
getting bullied by his friends or classmates.
2. Impact: The moment right after the crisis when the whole scope of the issue is
revealed.
This issue had created a very long-lasting impact on their psychological state and
self-esteem. The interviewee had experienced anxiety and worry.
3. Crisis Revolution: Resolving and establishing a new routine or equilibrium
condition.
The interviewee had gone to his teacher as a coping mechanism, but it did not
help at all, which resulted in the situation being the same. They then went to a
therapist to talk about it and overcome the crisis. They talk about it more as a
coping mechanism.
The Person in Crisis
There is no particular description of the person in crisis, but below are some commonly
experienced feelings experienced by someone who’s in crisis:
1. Anxiety
2. Helplessness
3. Anger
4. Shame/Guilt
5. Confusion
6. Fear
The interviewee had primarily experienced all of these feelings, especially anxiety,
helplessness, and anger. They did not know how to deal with these feelings at first, but then, as a
coping mechanism, they talked about it to their teacher, but that did not make a difference.
Therefore, they chose to speak to a therapist, which helped with calming their anxiety and
building their self-esteem.

Ethical considerations
1. Informed consent:
Once we had located our interviewee, we told them about our assignment, how we would
use his interview, and why we would be taking it. We took a written consent from them.
There was voluntary participation from their side.
2. Recording:
Before recording our interview, we asked the interviewee if he was comfortable recording
their responses and if we should record them on our phones. We also told them it would
be a voice recording, not a video recording.
3. Maintaining Confidentiality:
Before starting the interview, we informed the interviewee about confidentiality. We will
ensure confidentiality throughout the interview process. We will only share the audio
recording with our supervisor.
4. Anonymity:
 We addressed the client with the issue of anonymity. We will not reveal his identity
throughout the process. We would hide their name or any information about them from
everyone.
5. Voluntary Participation:
We told the interviewee they would never feel any coercion to participate in this
interview. It includes any type of persuasion or deception in attempting to gain their trust.
6. Do not Harm:
The interview process does not in any way harm the interviewee either psychologically or
physically. We will not invade their privacy or diminish their self-esteem.

Reflections
Reflection on the interviewer’s emotional response (Yashita Chhabra):
The interviewee opens up about a very difficult time in their life. Being bullied is not an
easy experience- it takes a toll on your mental health and your self-perception. Although talking
about it helps, as the interviewee has said, it is easier said than done. To be vocal about this in an
interview is a step of courage from the interviewee’s side, and it becomes the interviewer’s
responsibility to provide a safe and encouraging environment for the person to do so. For this
particular interview, it was important to provide a non-judgmental space for the person so that
they don’t feel mocked about their experiences. Patience and compassion became essential skills,
and empathy plays a big role in relating to the person. The interviewee also needs to hear
validation, especially with their experience of self-blaming. Finally, it becomes the most
important thing to be a good sounding board for the interviewee so that at no point whatsoever
do they feel discouraged from sharing their experiences.

Reflections on the skills used by the interviewer to assess the participant’s trauma (Yashita
Chhabra):
The interviewer expertly facilitated a delicate discourse using warmth, active listening,
and validation. They gave the participant's current well-being top priority and maintained control
at all times. Using nonjudgmental language, concentrating on the present effects, and honoring
boundaries were examples of trauma-informed tactics. Insightful information was gained by
investigating coping strategies and support networks and eliciting a rich story through
open-ended questioning and focused listening. In addition to providing an assessment, the
interviewer helped the participants feel more normalized, gave them hope and confidence in their
abilities, and promoted self-compassion. Despite the textual analysis's limitations, these strengths
point to a fruitful and positive interview for the participant.

Reflections on the critique/skills of the interviewer which needs strengthening (Yashita

Chhabra):
Although the interviewer expertly facilitated the discussion, there is still an opportunity
for development. Richer insights may come from going deeper and asking targeted questions
regarding feelings and sensations brought on by the bully encounter. Recognizing and
confirming the interviewee's feelings would promote a closer bond and more sharing. To avoid
leading or downplaying their experience, rephrasing encouraging remarks like "I think you're
healing" as thoughts or open-ended questions is preferable. Recapitulating and thinking about
feelings regularly would guarantee comprehension and promote clarification. Finally, it is critical
to have a careful understanding of the power dynamic. Neutral language and active listening
might replace statements like "you're right" to empower the interviewee. By addressing these
issues, the interviewer would improve their abilities and provide a more encouraging and
powerful environment where participants could express their experiences.
 Reflective Report (Nandini Maheshwari)

Establishing a Supportive Atmosphere:

I approached the sensitive topic of the interviewee's past experiences with empathy and care and
tried to acknowledge the difficulty of sharing such personal experiences reflecting an
understanding of potential emotional challenges.

Active Listening and Validation:

I actively listened to the interviewee throughout the interview, providing validation and empathy
through verbal and non-verbal cues.

Encouraging Reflection:

A semi-structured interview encouraged the interviewee to answer openly and reflect on their
coping mechanism, support systems, and personal growth. These open-ended questions left space
for probing for certain questions when there was any doubt.

Navigating Emotional Responses:

Initially, the interview was emotionally overwhelming, but actively heard the interviewee and
showed empathy towards them while handling the emotional aspects of the interview with
sensitivity, acknowledging the stress caused by past events. Encouraging the interviewee to share
and emphasizing the positive effects of speaking about their problems reflected a supportive
approach.

Acknowledging the Role of Support Systems:

Recognizing the significant role of the interviewee's parents in the healing process demonstrated
an understanding of the importance of familial support.

Validating the interviewee's emotions and highlighting anger reduction contributed to a positive
conversation.
Promoting Self-Reflection:

Questions about the evolution of the interviewee's perspective encouraged self-reflection and
introspection. I navigated through the interviewee's changing mindset, emphasizing personal
growth and the importance of self-initiated closure.

Promoting Self-Support:

I tried to emphasize the need for self-support after recognizing the interviewee’s perception of
the impermanence of external support. Encouragement for self-improvement and building
meaningful relationships conveyed a holistic approach to well-being. The interviewee also
shared their people-pleasing tendency which was negatively impacting their interpersonal
relationships. So, I encouraged them to look for authentic relationships where they could be
themselves. I fostered a supportive atmosphere that allowed the interviewee to reflect on their
journey. By acknowledging strengths, validating emotions, and encouraging self-support, I tried
to facilitate a meaningful and insightful conversation. The focus on the interviewee's growth and
the expressed hope for meaningful relationships conveyed a positive and supportive tone
throughout the interview.

Limitations (Nandini Maheshwari)

Since bullying is a sensitive topic that my participant went through, I was unable to probe too
much for further questions as I didn’t want to make him feel uncomfortable. I also did not get the
opportunity to form a proper rapport with the participant due to the time limitation.