Chief Counselor's Log #2 - Shuttle Crash Aftermath

Posted on Mon Nov 28th, 2016 @ 7:02pm by Lieutenant Commander Marit Lantry M.D., Ph.D.

As I previously reported, Captain Von and Colonel S’er’in’e have been rescued. Both suffered injuries, with the Colonel's being life-threatening in nature, but fortunately, he received required treatment in time. From what I've read in reports and what Von herself has told me, she owes the Colonel her life. Although in comparison her injuries were not as life-threatening in nature, I know without proper first-aid treatment, things could have been much worse.

Shortly after her release from sickbay, I met with Captain Von just to see how she was coping with everything. I know it's early yet, and I'll be checking in with her again soon to make sure there are no lasting emotional effects from the crash, but thus far, I've found the Captain to be quite open and capable of a good deal of self-reflection, which bodes well for her recovery and for our continuing professional relationship. It seems a good too many captains and even junior officers are fearful of what counselors represent, even in general, so when a counselor tries to intervene after something potentially traumatic and psychologically damaging, there is even more resistance. Fortunately, Captain Von isn't anything like that. I truly got the impression she appreciated my concern and my visit and wasn't just saying so to keep the peace. I can't imagine being reliant on anyone under the circumstances wasn't easy for her, as she acknowledged, but I suspect she won't have the same problems coming to terms with that as other leaders I've worked with in the past. Of course, I'm prepared for whatever comes, but I'm pleased to see Captain Von is coping well and is open to getting help if she ever needs it.

I'm also pleased to say I met with the Colonel, who is also been very open and very willing to meet with me. His psychological recovery is going to be a bit more challenging because after the crash, he was forced to confront a side of himself that he sees is very much in conflict with who he is as a Starfleet officer. As so often happens with any kind of emotional problem, regardless of what the mind knows to be true, the heart still struggles. As much as Starfleet counselors are taught to put themselves in the shoes of someone different from themselves, I also know I can't truly appreciate his struggle in the ways he wishes I could. Still, I'm comforted by the fact he is willing to open up to me and is not letting our cultural differences keep him isolated and resistant to talking with me. I hate to see him in pain, but I have to take some comfort in the fact that I know he is aware he doesn't have to face any of this alone. Sometimes the only victory a therapist can count is the fact that those who suffer know the therapist is available.