Spaces for Difference: An Interdisciplinary Journal

The purpose of this paper is to present traumatic stress as a framework for assessing and intervening with the post-Katrina residents of New Orleans. Applying resilience theory, the authors suggest that the unique historiography of African Americans in New Orleans serves as a foundation for the development of culturally appropriate interventions that can ameliorate the effects of disaster and systemic oppression. An African American female client provides a case illustration to illuminate the presentation of traumatic stress symptoms. Recommendations are provided for counselors and psychologists and clinical researchers to augment knowledge in this area.