Christian Trauma Therapy: Hope and Healing After Pain
Hope After Trauma
There are seasons when life is reduced to ashes, and there is still hope.
When we name these “ashes,” we see the trauma, loss, mourning, brokenness, survival, and what remains after life’s trials. This often leaves us feeling fragile, exhausted, and unsure of what is next in such a delicate time. Even still, it is the very place where God’s gentleness, presence, comfort, and hope can meet us. Often in these heavy seasons, it can feel like we are just doing our best to survive. Maybe we don’t even have the energy for anything more. Survival can look like emotional numbness, trying to get through the day, anxiety, withdrawal, hypervigilance, or not being able to find the words to express ourselves. Sometimes a little bit of all of these. It takes tiny steps to ensure a gentle introduction to hope and healing.
Naming Trauma and Pain Without Shame
The quiet aftermath of a hard season can leave real scars – physical, emotional, spiritual, or all of the above. The pain is real, and it is okay to sit in this. It is okay to feel fragile; this does not make us weak. Ashes can feel like they are weighing us down, but understanding and naming these traces of trauma can be a first step towards healing. Psalm 34:18 says, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Our Father is close when we are at our lowest points. Our Father meets us where we are without a rush and without judgement, but simply with unconditional love, grace, and mercy.
God Draws Near to the Brokenhearted in Trauma and Suffering
Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” In the midst of deeper pain, the Lord is near us in our difficult season. Isaiah 41:10 is another reminder that when we are in the depths of pain, feeling stuck and fragile, God will strengthen us. Even when we are in survival mode, the Lord is near. Healing is often slow and not linear. There will be hard times in the midst of the healing journey – setbacks, failures, regroupings. Even when pain is constant and progress feels scattered, God sees.
Understanding Trauma and Survival Mode in the Nervous System
Believe it or not – that survival mode? It’s part of our design, and one of the most important parts of our nervous system. In The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk explains that trauma can have a major impact on the prefrontal cortex (thinking, decision-making, working memory). Van der Kolk notes that the amygdala (fight or flight) acts as a smoke detector, detecting threats and sending signals to the body that it needs to react rightnow. Since the smoke detector is excellent at picking up danger responses,when someone has experienced trauma, their brain is that much more attuned to picking up any sign that it could be happening again. This can lead to things like flash backs, panic attacks, nightmares, etc. because the brain is misinterpreting information based on past experience. Although this may feel like a negative experience, this is your nervous system trying to regulate itself and protect you. Our bodies are working for us, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.
Small Steps Toward Healing After Trauma
Even during the flames of survival, it is crucial to make space for grief, anger, and unanswered questions. Why? Because your story matters, because your emotions are valid, and above all because the Lord hears. He will never fail us. It is important to bring your wholeness–your struggles, hardships, and trials to the feet of Jesus. He wants all of us, not just the parts we deem “worthy.” It is vital to understand and name these burdens to ensure a healthy, healing journey. Then,we implement and celebrate small wins, such as getting out of bed, incorporating coping skills, drinking water, showering, going to therapy, and anything else that moves us forward. These are big victories, even if they feel tiny. It’s progress amid hardship.
Beauty From Ashes: Healing Through Christian Trauma Therapy
In the center of hardship, there can be growth, healing, and hope. Taking the proper steps to seek help shows courage in caring for ourselves. Healing does not mean erasing the past, but rather growing and developing the skills to walk alongside it. Psalm 23:4 says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…” Even in the heart of the battles and harder seasons we face, God is with us. God is with you even in the middle of your ashes. What we may label dirty and ugly, God sees as something potentially beautiful. He sees what we can become.
At Dwell, we strive to walk alongside you to help you heal from your season of struggle, pain, heartache. If you are ready for more information, we invite you to visit the Trauma Therapy page or our FAQs. You can also click below to book a free consultation or contact us for more information and the next steps for your healing journey.
Author: Jordan Horton, LCMHCA
