“If we do not transform our pain we will most assuredly transmit it”
(original author unknown)
The pain resulting from trauma causes deep grief. The journey to healing can be different for everyone depending on what type of trauma a person experienced. It is the professional opinion that one time events such as an accident, crisis, or a natural disaster, heal faster than complex trauma; abuse that goes on for years. Nearly 50% of adults carry unresolved trauma, often from early life and they don’t even know it. If left unaddressed, it can fuel a variety of chronic mental and physical health conditions. Trauma steals our peace, emotional clarity, and confidence. It damages our relationships and keeps us from living the abundant life God intended for us (John 10:10). Trauma (grief) ‘management’ will not bring the freedom we seek. A persons recovery and healing process should be respected and given faith that the individuals innate wisdom will lead and guide them. God can heal supernaturally, but most often He desires us to partner with Him in this journey. In Romans 12:2 we are instructed to ‘be transformed by the renewing of your mind and that by testing you may discern what is the will of God‘. God wants us to ‘take every thought captive’ and discover what is preventing us from demolishing strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
I was unaware of the trauma I was carrying, and I can see now how it affected my life and relationships. Many years of prayer and having the knowledge that God loved me did not extinquish the pain. The piece that was missing for me was education about trauma and attuning to my body’s wisdom for a holistic approach (engaging mind, body, and spirit) I then made quick progress. I thank God for the knowledge He has imparted on so many for these methods! |
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| The Impact of Trauma –
“Trauma is anything out of the ordinary that leaves us feeling powerless.”
Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk (author of; The Body Keeps the Score)
Research supports that the physical body holds trauma.
Trauma can create changes in the brain, causing withdrawal and isolation.
An ACE (adverse childhood experiences) score reveals the impact trauma can have on a persons future and shines light on barriers to healing and growth. |
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| Domestic violence and trauma – Abusive behavior presents itself in various ways and eventually kills the soul of the one receiving it. It is vastly different from typical conflict by way of the intention is ‘power and control’ over the other, be it towards a child or partner, with a desire to be idolized. The abused person eventually gives up their identity in an attempt to meet the needs of the abuser, with no avail. Being abused by someone who is supposed to love you is traumatic and causes extreme confusion, even denial. |
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Often the trauma goes unrecognized by the person or those near. Prime candidates for attracting and tolerating abusive relationships are those who grew up with their own needs for love and affection being unmet. Domestic violence in the home is the number one reason a child runs away and enters into a life of drug addiction or prostitution. Redemption from abusive trauma begins by seeking the One true lover of our soul, let Him meet our needs first, while learning the elements of healthy relationships.
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Trauma-Informed Care – What do we need to know?
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| All trauma is not the same, and some events are more significant to some individuals than others. It is important not to minimize any type of trauma. Minimization is a coping mechanism for those experiencing it, as well as those hearing about it. A prerequisite for the healing journey to begin is by attuning to the person with the trauma story. They need to feel seen, soothed, safe, and secure. Fear of vicarious or secondary trauma can be a reason to minimize or avoid hearing a persons trauma story. If you don’t have the capacity for this role, lovingly suggest or, offer other resources.
Trauma results when someone does not have a safe space to share, process, and be comforted after a traumatic event. When a person lacks this support, or they are living in a system that minimizes their story, their brain holds onto the trauma and plays it repeatedly. Safe relationships and healthy attachments are imperative for the healing of trauma. If you are in the ‘helping field’ it is vital that you recognize your own symptoms of burnout, vicarious trauma, or compassion fatigue and address your own well-being so you can maintain healthy and effective giving of care to others. |
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According to St. Augustine, the phrase “know yourself that you may know God” means that by deeply examining and understanding one’s own self, you can then begin to truly understand and know God, as self-awareness is a crucial first step in connecting with the divine.
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What is a Trauma-Informed Coach approach?
As an agent of God’s hope and healing, my coaching acts as a guide to build on the foundational work done in therapy in areas of post-traumatic growth. This work can be done in collaboration with your therapist providing natural next steps to empower you to reclaim your joy, identity, and life purpose. Together we will explore and implement new lifestyle and spiritual practices to support your recovery. With practical approaches rooted in theology, psychology, and neuroscience, I will also guide you in learning emotional regulation skills and ways to foster resilience so you can move forward with confidence and greater connectedness. I personally continue to use these practices which allows me to stay in alignment with my spirit-led self. The emotional freedom that I now experience is such a blessing and walking this path with others is a gift and calling that fuels me.
Connect with me if you, or someone you know is ready to take the journey to becoming emotionally free and start living their best life now!
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