Treating Trauma in Christian Counseling

Traumatic experiences are distressingly common, and the risks of developing posttraumatic stress disorder are high. But in recent years the field of traumatology has grown strong, giving survivors and their counselors firmer footing than ever before to seek healing. This book is a combined effort to introduce counseling approaches, trauma information, and Christian reflections to respond to the intense suffering people face.With extensive experience treating complex trauma, Heather Gingrich and Fred Gingrich have brought together key essays representing the latest psychological research on trauma from a Christian integration perspective.Students, instructors, clinicians, and researchers alike will find the following:An overview of the kinds of traumatic experiences.Coverage of treatment methods, especially those that incorporate spirituality.Material to critically analyze as well as emotionally engage trauma.Theoretical bases for trauma treatment and interventions.References for further consideration and empirical research.Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS) Books explore how Christianity relates to mental health and behavioral sciences including psychology, counseling, social work, and marriage and family therapy in order to equip Christian clinicians to support the well-being of their clients.

Treating Trauma in Christian Counseling is a needed treatment, long overdue. Our present 'culture of trauma' craves identity without closure and protest without nurture. But Heather and Fred have skillfully pulled together an array of traumatic scenarios with an eye to integrating faith and trauma. This should be required reading for every missionary, pastor, counselor, and social worker who understands that 'we have this treasure in earthen vessels.' As a professor of the Bible and student of trauma, I look forward to even more integrative work among the disciplines in years to come.--Andrew J. Schmutzer, Bible professor, Moody Bible Institute, author of Naming Our Abuse: God's Pathways to Healing for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse, In light of the prevalence, complexity, and destructive impact of trauma, Christian counselors and other caregivers need quality resources to guide them. Thus, I am very grateful for Treating Trauma in Christian Counseling. Heather and Fred Gingrich have strategized to cover a broad range of vital trauma care topics with precision and wisdom. I will highly recommend this to my students and to trauma care providers in our ministry.--Steven Tracy, professor of theology and ethics, Phoenix Seminary, founder and president, Mending the Soul Ministries, Jesus was no stranger to trauma--from treating a woman who had just escaped stoning and another with an unhealed flow of blood to predicting trauma for the apostles and personally enduring the cross. Neither should we be, especially those of us in the helping professions. The themes of the Christian Scripture--pain, suffering, personal humiliation, resilience, hope, and meaning--are the themes dealt with by these esteemed authors. Heather and Fred Gingrich have assembled an all-star cast of Christian psychologists to inform about the up-to-the-minute science, healing, and faith of traumatology.--Everett L. Worthington Jr., author of Forgiving and Reconciling

Heather Davediuk Gingrich is a counselor, scholar, teacher, and former missionary. She is professor of counseling at Denver Seminary and maintains a small private practice working with complex trauma survivors. She is the author of Restoring the Shattered Self and coauthor of Skills for Effective Counseling. Fred C. Gingrich is professor of counseling at Denver Seminary and served as division chair from 2007 to 2015. He practiced and taught in Ontario for fourteen years prior to directing MA and EdD degrees in counseling at seminaries in the Philippines. He is the coauthor of Skills for Effective Counseling.