As fires sweep through Eastern Arizona, thousands of people are trying to come to terms with the loss of their houses, their towns and their lifestyles.
ASU students and faculty are among those feeling the impact of the Rodeo-Chediski fire, the state's largest. ASU Counseling and Consultation is offering help by counseling people affected by the wildfires.
"The way that the fires were just going on and on and on; as the scene of devastation grew, it became apparent that more people would be affected," said Dr. Mark Groberski, associated director of Counseling and Consultation.
Trauma and loss are the most common feelings Groberski expects to see in people seeking emotional help.
Being displaced because of destroyed homes, having to decided which possessions are the most valuable to take, and dealing with the panic of evacuation can all contribute to trauma, Groberski said. Even people who have friends who were evacuated or were firefighters can feel the effects of trauma.
No one has sought fire-related counseling yet, but the staff expects people to start coming in after the shock of the fire wears off and people begin returning to campus in the fall. "We think that we're probably going to see things later, as people get back to their houses," Groberski said.
Evaluation is free for ASU students, staff and faculty. The department's Web site includes signs of trauma and tips on how to cope at www.asu.edu/counseling_center.
Call 965-6146 to make a counseling appointment.
Reach the reporter at stephanie.matlock@asu.edu.
