ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the major disasters hit the headlines, the fact remains that most traumatized persons are the victims of minor events. Nevertheless, whether the traumatic event is affecting large groups or small, it has traditionally been the case that responding to the needs of the potentially traumatized is the province of the specialist, the 'Expert Trauma Therapist'. However, the UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence warns us that trauma therapy 'should only be offered if it is actually necessary' and argues that there are many cases when clinical inaction is the treatment of choice. This proposition raises the possibility that trauma Therapists may not necessarily be best deployed if they are primarily seen as 'frontline troops'. A recent literature review strongly suggests that many, if not most, victims much prefer the help of friends and colleagues to the services of the allegedly expert Therapist.
