What is PTG (Post-Traumatic Growth)?
As a trauma therapist and researcher, I integrate the concept of Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) into my work with EMDR and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT). I also incorporate other modalities such as Dance Movement Therapy, Art Therapy, Zen Art Therapy, Morita Therapy, Naikan Therapy, and other psychological concepts and theories.
I have been working with trauma cases every day for over 25 years, both in Japan and New Zealand.
When I was in Osaka, Japan, I had a profoundly sad experience while working at an orphanage. There was a 10-year-old girl, A. She had lost much of her hair and suffered severe burns because her father repeatedly poured boiling water over half of her body. Despite her pain, A was cheerful and positive. She once told me,
“I love my dad. I don’t care what other adults say about him. I know he has a beautiful heart.”
Her father visited her once a month to obtain our signature to receive a benefit payment. He rarely looked at her or spoke to her. For safety reasons, three or four staff members had to attend each visit. Every time he left, A would cry and try to run after his car. Holding her small, warm body as she cried was one of the most distressing moments of my career — a memory that remains vivid in my heart today.
Another difficult experience occurred when I worked on human trafficking cases. In Japan, many young women are kidnapped and forced into prostitution through fake contracts with criminal groups, including some victims from overseas. My role was to interview them after police intervention, to determine whether they were victims of crime or working illegally without a visa.
One girl, B, came from another Asian country. She was Christian and told me,
“I believe someone will rescue me.”
She had endured years of exploitation. One day, before a court appearance, she asked me if I could help her find a church. Together with a police officer and embassy staff, we found a small church nearby. She prayed deeply and later shared how she had nearly lost her mind because of the crime and violence she had experienced.
As a trauma therapist, I strive to view trauma through a positive and transformative lens, even though I recognise that growth after trauma is not easy for everyone.
A few years ago, I studied trauma at Bethlehem Tertiary Institute, where I conducted research on Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG).
PTG is defined as “the experience of positive change resulting from the struggle with a major life crisis or traumatic event” (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996).
According to this theory, when clients:
a) understand trauma mechanisms,
b) receive appropriate trauma treatment, and
c) have community support,
they may experience:
A deeper appreciation for life (e.g., valuing relationships and everyday moments)
Closer relationships and greater empathy for others
Increased emotional strength (“If I survived that, I can face other challenges”)
New possibilities in life — such as new goals, careers, or purposes
Spiritual or existential growth — a deeper sense of meaning and self-understanding
This is a challenging but profoundly meaningful approach. It is not yet widely practiced in New Zealand, but I believe PTG has the potential to transform people’s philosophies, belief systems, mental and physical health, relationships, and life paths.
Through my ongoing work, research, and community involvement, I hope to further explore and promote the concept of Post-Traumatic Growth, together with my colleagues at Hana Counselling.
Reference
Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. (1996). The posttraumatic growth inventory: Measuring the positive legacy of trauma. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 9(3), 455–471. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02103658
