For the past three weeks, Diane Sewell of Burien has wondered about the victims of Hurricane Katrina, whose graphic images on television display their pain and loss.

"People recovering from a disaster, even though they need the stress relief, don't have taking care of themselves at the top of their list," Sewell noted recently.

As a licensed counselor, she has many concerns about the recovery of these victims - who include members of her own family.

Sewell's daughter, Jan Horn, son-in-law Mike, and three-year-old grandson Steel, have been foremost in her mind.

The Horns felt the impact of Hurricane Katrina's fury in Mobile, Ala.

Sewell has been with her family in spirit - and via telephone - in the aftermath of this devastating storm. And next month, she will have an opportunity to see them.

She will be part of a group of therapists from the Seattle area who travel to the Gulf Coast to counsel victims who may suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Therapy may help them "separate the image from the pain [of the loss] so you don't have to carry that around with you the rest of your life," Sewell said.

The team plans to stay for approximately a week.

Although a specific date is not set, Sewell believes it is wise to wait at least a month "until the life-or-death crisis winds down."

By waiting, she added, "We can be part of the solution and not create a larger problem."

Sewell predicted that "the real story will come as the cleanup unfolds. Long after the news crews and emergency crews have gone home, the locals will struggle to continue. They have to rebuild their homes, their lives and their businesses."

In Mobile, where Jan and Mike Horn owned a fitness shop, they have given protein bars and other food and fluids to rescue workers.

Mike, a former EMT, is helping administer IV fluids to dehydrated workers who are doing what they can to help the situation.

In the wake of Hurricane Ivan last year, the couple was forced to sell their damaged World's Gym at a loss.

Sewell described her family as "resilient" through each hurricane.

After Ivan, "they never once complained. They just found a new location. They were up and running in two weeks."

In a telephone interview, Jan said from Mobile that she refuses to be a victim.

"You have to take responsibility for what's going on," Jan declared. "It's not a government issue. You feel like you should be helping others but at the same time you should be helping yourself."

The survivor of three hurricanes, including Ivan, Jan said "there is no comparison" to Katrina ... I have never been this confused and concerned."

But, Mike explained, many people did not evacuate before the storm hit because they wanted to be heroes, but because "it is expensive to leave. Many do not have the money.

"Then, you cannot get back. The roads are blocked. Also, some do not want to leave their homes because their homes will be looted and there are gangs."

He added that some people believe they can survive the storm, but the water rises and they end up trapped in the attic and on the roof.

The Highline area can help, Jan said, listing bottled water, gasoline and mattresses as major needs.

"I think every church should send someone to the Houston Astrodome today and adopt a family, take them back to your city and help them," she continued.

"They could help out at the church and look for a job. What a testimony!"

After a pause, Jan observed, "Unhealthy people are dying first. As a nation, we could use this as a sign that we are spoiled and cannot survive a disaster.

"We could become more healthy and stronger to withstand unexpected problems. We can be more preventative with our medical care and insurance.

"I think we are going to realize how unhealthy we were," she said. "Are we healthy enough to survive a disaster? Perhaps we can have more focus on preventative care."

To learn more about Sewell's mission to assist victims in Mobile, Ala., or for more information, call her at 206-444-0575 or 206-389-5842, or e-mail her at awellnessservice@aol.com.