Methodological Approach

The initial workshop was sponsored by the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, The Dutch Victims Association, and the Berlin Medical Psychological and So­cial Association.

Prior to the workshop, we familiarized ourselves with the history of the respective countries and the specific ways in which totalitarian governments were the source of human trauma. Hence we summarized the historical events of late 1980s and early 1990s preceding the treatment experience of which the former prisoners were part. We also at­tended to the clinical setting or consultation context in which the therapeutic encounter occurred (i.e., within a developing post-totalitarian clinic, as consultation to informal self-help groups, as part of a research project, or other manner).

During the workshop we focused on the members' personal odyssey since the col­lapse of the iron curtain. I directed my attention specifically to three particular elements: the unique clinical setting in which Eastern European clinicians have to work relative to the types of problems they encounter, the transference and the counter-transference sur­facing during the workshop, and a detailed presentation of at least one case.

The “biological” dictatorship—as the Romanian clinicians call it—has lasted for forty years. Most doctors have no knowledge of psychotherapy and show no interest in it. The staff and the nurses in Romania have a condescending attitude toward psycho­therapy as well.

The Association of Former Political Prisoners is located now in Bucharest, where an informal self-help group attempts to generate open discussions. Dr. Cucliciu's and Dr. Manoliu's first attempts to contact them met with intense resistance. Contact with former prisoners of Piteshti was made shortly after they asked for guidelines from our team in Cincinnati.