Trauma, while not universal, is quite common. In The Trauma Tree: Going Beyond Survival, Growing Toward Wholeness, we look at the difference between big T Trauma and little t trauma. Big T Trauma is what comes to mind when we think of PTSD. Post-traumatic stress injuries most often stem from a trauma that was life-threatening or life-altering. Violent crime, loss of a child, severe accidents that change our abilities, and witnessing the carnage of combat are examples of big T Trauma. Little t trauma is not life-threatening but is distressing and oftentimes chronic or repetitive. Over time, little t trauma can impact the brain much the same as big T Trauma.
Given that most people will experience some form of trauma in life, it is imperative that the church adopt a trauma-informed approach to ministry. People suffering from post-traumatic stress injuries tend to “look normal.” Many will never talk to church leadership about symptoms such as sleep disturbances, dysregulated emotions, flashbacks, or triggering. The truth is, many people are in denial that they have experienced trauma at all. This is a means of self-preservation. We wear a smile and an attitude that says, I am fine. Everything is fine. It was no big deal. In any given group of people, we can assume that someone is suffering with symptoms of post-traumatic stress injury.
Let’s look at five key concepts for trauma-informed ministry.
1. Understand the Impact of Trauma
Trauma lives in an irrational part of the brain called the amygdala. Unprocessed memories can remain unchanged in this part of the brain for a lifetime. Trauma survivors may not be aware that the memories are powerfully intact until something reminds the amygdala and triggers an emotional and physiological response. Triggering can present as intense anger or fear, as well as behavioral changes. If you notice emotional and/or behavioral discrepancies in people, it could be because they are feeling triggered by something or someone. When the amygdala is triggered, the brain releases hormones and chemicals that recreate the emotions that were present at the time of trauma. These emotions can be confusing to the person who is impacted. Try to respond in calm, respectful tones. Ask the person what is causing them to respond with such intensity. Patiently try to help them to identify what has triggered the emotional response.
2. Use Universal Trauma Precautions
Interacting with all people as if they have experienced trauma empowers everyone within a community. Respect, patience, and empathy create a safe environment for everyone, not just those with post-traumatic stress injuries. Emphasize and prioritize honesty, trustworthiness, and safety. Create policies that encourage authenticity and transparency. Address emotional outbursts calmly, with the assumption the behaviors stem from a place of woundedness. Compassion will help to deescalate tense situations.
3. Create a Healing Environment
Promote a sense of hope and potential. Psalm 27:13 says, I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Remind others that there is life beyond trauma. Healing is possible even when there seems to be no happy ending. God’s goodness surrounds us even if we can’t see it in the moment. Talk openly about mental health and the importance of godly counsel and treatment. Removing the stigma of seeking help can encourage those on a journey to healing. I am often asked how the church should respond when a community member experiences trauma. When Job experienced big T Trauma, his friends did exactly the right thing—at first. They just sat with Job. Simply having a support system to sit with us, cry with us, and offer emotional support can be powerful. Words are not necessary. It was when Job’s friends started talking and questioning Job that they became unhelpful. The first step is to meet basic needs. Bringing a healthy meal to the home of someone in crisis not only helps to meet nutritional needs, but it is also a chance to visit and to be present. Don’t ask questions or try to guess what caused the trauma, simply offer love and support.
4.Collaborate with Mental Health Professionals
Unless you have been trained and licensed as a mental health professional, it is essential to know someone with whom you can consult, or to whom you can make referrals. As a licensed professional counselor, I love it when people in ministry inquire about approaches to help members of the community. Sometimes this results in referrals for counseling, but often it simply leads to more fruitful ministry. In turn, I often call on pastors when clients face spiritual dilemmas. These collaborations are a win-win-win. They help those in ministry, those in mental health professions and, most importantly, those which we serve.
5. Avoid Retraumatization
In ministry we have to talk about difficult issues. Some topics require a disclaimer. If you are speaking on issues such as death, assault, violence, abuse, or other hard topics, begin with some grounding work. Tell your audience you plan to talk about a difficult topic. I often ask people to place their feet flat on the floor and their hands on their seat. I then say, “remember that we are all in this room together, and we are all safe.” This simple statement can help to avoid triggering in those with post-traumatic stress injuries. It gives them a warning of what is to come, and assurance that they are safe. Use language that will not retraumatize. I once sat next to a woman to was forced to have an abortion as a teen. When the speaker recited a poem about “baby killers,” I witnessed this woman relive the emotions of her own trauma. We don’t know the whole stories of those in front of us.
2 Corinthians 1:4 tells us that God comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the same comfort we ourselves receive from God. If you have experienced personal trauma, your own healing must come first. We cannot comfort others until we have done our own healing. We often call those who have experienced trauma survivors. Surviving only means that we are still breathing. I submit that this is not enough. God wants us to not only survive, but to experience his goodness and joy. Healing takes time and effort. I pray that you will experience healing and comfort in your own life so that you can in turn comfort others.
In short, empathy, compassion, transparency, honesty, and safety benefit everyone. I encourage you to prioritize these characteristics at all times as you minister to God’s children.
Lisa Saruga is the author of The Trauma Tree: Going Beyond Survival, Growing Toward Wholeness, a great resource for understanding and healing from trauma. She is a licensed professional counselor, EMDR-trained trauma therapist, and a trauma survivor. Find more information on this topic by visiting her website, LisaSaruga.com.
