Is there such a thing as "closure" from a traumatic event?

Many of the therapists I have either supervised or monitored have used the word “closure” when helping clients understand a past trauma. I understand the reason, but it has always been uncomfortable for me to use it when working with client’s past traumas/life events. I personally have never practiced closure in my own past life events. I practiced resolution to where I no longer emotionally react. Is that the same? Is it just another way to say the same thing? Let us discuss it and you can make up your own minds.

I was watching a documentary on the “Unabomber” case when a surviving victim who was permanently disabled said,

“There’s no such thing as closure. There’s different. There’s better. There’s all kinds of other words. But there’s no closure. Closure means its done. It’s never done. It’s never going to be done, but I don’t believe in being a victim.”

Those are very profound words from a victim who went on to forgive the bomber and moved on with his life. In fact, he had befriended the brother of the bomber who reached out to apologize to him. He told the brother, “it’s not your burden to bear” and has maintained a long friendship with him to this day.

I was profoundly impacted by this man’s trauma resolution and his entire demeanor. In my 30+ years working with trauma, I have learned to listen to the language and non-verbal language to assess whether a client has resolved or not resolved his past trauma. In my opinion, this man clearly has reached inner peace with his past.

The definition of closure surely backs the referenced victim’s explanation. When I reflect on my own past events I totally agree with the victim’s statements. I still vividly remember the events that have impacted me. The impact and memories are not “closed” by a long shot. The difference, and what I have lectured on in my groups and classes, is I no longer “emotionally react” to a point where it negatively impacts my current state of mind. In my world, that is a little different than closing it. Again, I realize many therapists and people like to use the word “closure” in a more philosophical or figurative manner, but I am saying let’s not, and choose to rephrase it to more accurately portray the client’s process.

Over my years, many clients have asked me, “Will my past trauma flashbacks ever stop?”. My answer has always been, “Mine haven’t, but I now just reflect on them without emotionally reacting and causing them to further negatively impact my life”. I would also go on to explain how my memories often keep me humble and strengthen my resolve to continue working as a therapist. In the past, prior to my resolution, my flashbacks and memories would send me down a dark hole. A hole where I would do whatever it took to stop the “flashbacks” and the continuous “negative noise” in my head.

We therapists love to utilize words that attempt to quickly sum up something and sounds good and right. But we can also mislead clients by “word simplifying” and never really processing the client’s perception of what “closure” is. We may quickly reframe their questions regarding their perception as normal and still call it “closure” for our sakes. Many clients may even nod their heads in agreement with us, but it does not necessarily mean they agree with us. They may accept it only because they feel you would not understand why they can’t “close” it. The word “closure” for clients may not necessarily feel right inside. This is not a good resolution, and it may only further the isolation they are already feeling.

So, let’s end this article with something I hope we can all agree on. You do not need to use the word “closure” with your clients. Instead, replace it with “resolved” or working toward resolving the past issues that have negatively impacted their lives. It has been successful in my practice and can hopefully help you with your clients.

Mind, Body, Spirit….Balance!

Written By: Vincent Strumolo, LMFT

Mr. Strumolo is a published author and forward thinker in the field of PTSD. He has developed a framework for therapy called Resolution Focused Therapy (RFT). Mr. Strumolo has been active in developing a comprehensive tracking, utilization management, and performance improvement program for the RFT system of care. Mr. Strumolo has performed various workshops on Trauma, Performance Improvement and Clinical topics at many national and international Conferences.