Best Tips To Understanding Christian Therapy For Trauma
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Christian therapy for trauma, is an option that every believer in Christ should feel released to utilize if they ever find themselves having experienced a traumatic incident. When seeking therapy after trauma, individuals have various options available to them. Two major approaches are: Mainstream and Christian therapy for trauma.
While both aim to promote healing and well-being, they differ significantly in their methodologies and foundational principles. In this post I attempt to explore these differences. Please note I am not a counsellor or psychologist and this is provided by my own research for information purposes only! I hope it will help you. I will finish the article by comparing and contrasting the two therapeutic options with a hypothetical case study.
How Does Therapy In General Help in the Healing Process?
Before we discuss the different approaches to counselling, let’s do a quick recap on exactly the impact that we are dealing with when we examine counselling for trauma ( mainstream or christian). We know that when we experience trauma, it leaves scars, (physical and/or emotional). Trauma can have a lasting impact on our health and happiness, but the bright side is that you can recover from trauma. Therapy has a pivotal role to play in the process and we’re going to take a deep dive into how trauma impacts you and how therapy can help.
What Causes Us To Experience Trauma?
The impact of trauma can show up physically, psychologically, and emotionally in our lives.There are so many reasons that trauma can be experienced and this is by no means a complete list. If you are experiencing trauma, it may be due to a host of different experiences, such as:
- childhood abuse,
- early neglect,
- grief & loss,
- physical assault,
- sexual assault,
- war &conflict,
- natural disasters & accidents.
What Effects Can Trauma Have On Us?
You might have specific ideas about how trauma impacts a person, but effects are wide. Some examples include the following:
- Emotional distress (manifesting in anxiety, fear, depression, and other big emotions that are difficult to process).
- Avoidance: (avoiding any reminder of their trauma, people, places, things or situations). This is a coping mechanism to control the environment to reduce triggers.
- Nightmares, intrusive memories, and flashbacks of the traumatic event can be experienced.
- Relationship challenges – (it’s hard to build new relationships – impossible? and maintain existing ones when you feel as though you are drowning in big, unprocessed and unhealed emotions and more likely to withdraw from social situations).
- Dissociation is also common outcome, with trauma survivors feeling disconnected from their reality or themselves..
How Does General Or Christian Therapy For Trauma Work?
So, how does any kind of therapy help?
It’s actually a foundational aspect of recovering from trauma because it provides people with a safe, supportive space in which to process emotions and discuss the traumatic event and how it has impacted their lives since.
A safe space is the first big benefit of going to therapy to process trauma.
Therapy also allows people to express their true thoughts, fears, and feelings, which is an important part of the process of reducing emotional burdens to find healing. It is hard to move forward when you’re buried under the weight of unrelenting emotions.
A therapist is equipped with the knowledge and empathy you need to get to the bottom of your trauma and its impact on your life, and they can equip you with the healthy coping mechanisms you need to manage your symptoms.
One of the ways they will do that is through processing the memories around the event to reduce the emotional charge they bring. They can also help you rebuild trust in relationships if you’re dealing with interpersonal trauma.
Therapy is resilience-building. It can empower you with the self-worth and sense of control you need, the sense of control and self-worth you lost as a result of the trauma you endured. It can be a heavy burden, but that doesn’t mean you can’t heal from it. Therapy is about reclaiming your life!
You can also receive medication if it’s required. That’s something you can work on during therapy – sometimes, medication is necessary to lessen the intense symptoms you’re dealing with while you work on the root issues.
For some people, medication is a short-term solution, for others it’s a longer-term solution, and some people may need some form of medication for a much longer period of time. It depends on the depth of your trauma and how long you have been dealing with its aftereffects.
Why You Should Get General Or Christian Therapy for Trauma?
Therapy is a key part of overcoming trauma and doing it as quickly as possible can help you avoid developing PTSD. If you already have PTSD, it can help you get to grips with the symptoms you have been dealing with as a result of the trauma you have endured.
It’s a powerful tool you can utilize on your path to recover from trauma, and it will provide you with the support and guidance necessary to process your trauma and build resilience to protect yourself against further trauma. If you’re struggling with trauma, or someone you know and love is struggling with trauma, a therapist is a good next step. Healing isn’t linear, and it can be a long journey. Therapy can give you the tools you need to move forward to overcome traumatic impact to build a happier, healthier life.
Mainstream Therapy For Trauma: An Overview
Mainstream counseling, also known as secular or traditional counseling, is rooted in psychological theories and practices. It often employs various evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to address trauma.
Key Features of Mainstream Therapy:
- Scientific Foundation: Mainstream counseling relies on scientific research and clinical studies to guide its practices. Therapists use evidence-based methods that have been proven effective through rigorous testing.
- Focus on Individuality: It emphasizes the unique experiences and needs of the individual. Therapists create personalized treatment plans tailored to each client’s specific circumstances.
- Secular Approach: This type of counseling is secular, meaning it does not incorporate religious beliefs or spiritual practices unless the client specifically requests it.
Christian Trauma Therapy: An Overview
Christian therapy for trauma integrates psychological principles with biblical teachings. It seeks to address emotional and psychological issues through the lens of Christian faith, often using scripture and prayer as integral components of the healing process.
Key Features of Christian Therapy For Trauma:
- Biblical Foundation: Christian therapy for trauma is rooted in the teachings of the Bible. Therapists use scripture to provide guidance and insight, helping clients find comfort and direction in their faith.
- Spiritual Integration: This approach combines psychological techniques with spiritual practices, such as prayer, meditation on scripture, and faith-based community support.
- Holistic Perspective: Christian therapy for trauma therapy considers the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. It addresses not only psychological symptoms but also spiritual well-being.
Comparing and Contrasting: A Case Study
To illustrate the differences, let’s consider a hypothetical case of Sarah, a 30-year-old woman who has experienced significant trauma due to a car accident. She suffers from anxiety, flashbacks, and depression. We’ll compare her experiences with mainstream and Christian counseling.
Sarah’s Experience with Mainstream Therapy
When Sarah first seeks help from a mainstream therapist, the therapist conducts a thorough assessment to understand her symptoms and their impact on her life. The therapist then decides to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help Sarah manage her anxiety and depression.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): The therapist works with Sarah to identify negative thought patterns that contribute to her distress. They develop strategies to challenge and reframe these thoughts, promoting healthier thinking habits.
- Exposure Therapy: To address Sarah’s flashbacks, the therapist employs exposure therapy, gradually and safely exposing her to memories of the accident to reduce their power over her emotions.
- Progress Monitoring: The therapist regularly monitors Sarah’s progress, adjusting the treatment plan as needed based on her responses to therapy.
Outcome: After several months, Sarah experiences a reduction in her anxiety and depression. She feels more in control of her thoughts and emotions, and her flashbacks become less frequent and intense. However, she still feels a lingering sense of emptiness and seeks deeper meaning in her healing process.
Sarah’s Experience with Christian Therapy
Sarah then decides to try Christian therapy for her trauma counseling, hoping to find spiritual healing alongside emotional recovery. Her Christian trauma therapist also conducts an assessment but incorporates questions about Sarah’s faith and spiritual life.
- Scripture-Based Guidance: The therapist uses Bible verses to offer comfort and perspective. For instance, they might reference Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,” to reassure Sarah that God is with her in her pain.
- Prayer and Meditation: Prayer becomes a regular part of their sessions. The therapist encourages Sarah to meditate on scriptures like Philippians 4:6-7, which advises believers not to be anxious but to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, promising the peace of God in return.
- Faith Community Support: The therapist helps Sarah connect with a faith-based support group, providing a community of believers who offer encouragement, share their own experiences, and pray for her healing.
- Holistic Healing: The Christian therapy for trauma session also addresses Sarah’s trauma by looking at her mental, emotional, and spiritual health. They discuss how her faith can be a source of strength and resilience, emphasizing God’s promises and love.
Outcome: Sarah finds that integrating her faith into her therapy brings a deeper sense of peace and purpose. She feels more connected to God and her faith community, which reinforces her emotional healing. Her symptoms of anxiety and depression improve, and she feels spiritually uplifted and supported.
Bible Verses Supporting Christian Counselling
Christian counseling often uses specific Bible verses to reinforce therapeutic practices. Here are a few examples:
- Comfort in God’s Presence: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4. This verse can help clients feel God’s presence and protection during their darkest times.
- Strength in God’s Love: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13. This verse encourages clients to find strength in their faith.
- Healing through Prayer: “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.” – James 5:14. This passage highlights the importance of prayer and community in the healing process.
Choosing the Right Path – General Or Christian Therapy For Trauma?
Both mainstream trauma therapy and Christian therapy for trauma both offer valuable approaches to healing trauma. The best choice depends on the individual’s personal beliefs, preferences, and needs. Mainstream counseling provides a robust, evidence-based framework for managing psychological symptoms, while Christian counseling offers a unique integration of faith and therapy, addressing both spiritual and emotional well-being.
For someone like Sarah, who finds solace in her faith, Christian therapy offers a deeper, more holistic healing experience. For others who may not share the same spiritual beliefs, mainstream counseling offers a comprehensive and effective path to recovery.
Ultimately, the key is to find a therapist or counselor who understands and respects the individual’s unique journey, providing the support and tools needed for healing. Whether through mainstream methods or faith-based approaches, the goal remains the same: to help individuals overcome trauma and live fuller, healthier lives.
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