Ask Dr. A'Shellarien

Seeking Help: The Courageous Choice When Trauma and Faith Collide 

As human beings, we all experience trauma at some point in our lives. It can be a sudden unexpected event or a prolonged experience that leaves a lasting impact on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. During these difficult times, many of us turn to our faith for strength and guidance. However, when trauma collides with faith, it can be challenging to navigate through the conflicting emotions and thoughts that arise.

 

As a subject matter expert, I have worked with numerous individuals who have faced this exact dilemma. Through my experience, I have learned that seeking help is a courageous choice that can greatly benefit those who are struggling with the collision of trauma and faith. In this article, I will share some valuable insights and advice from experts in the field to help you understand the importance of seeking help and how it can aid in the healing process.

 

The Stigma Surrounding Seeking Help

Before delving into the importance of seeking help, it is crucial to address the stigma that surrounds it, especially within faith communities. Many individuals believe that seeking help indicates weakness or a lack of faith. This misconception can prevent people from reaching out for the support they need and deserve.

 

According to Dr. Harold Koenig, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University, 'The stigma associated with mental illness is twice as high within faith communities compared to the general population.' This stigma can be detrimental to individuals who are already struggling with trauma and faith. It is essential to understand that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but an act of courage and self-care.

 

The Importance of Seeking Help

Trauma can shake a person's faith to its core, leaving them feeling alone, lost, and disconnected. In these moments of despair, seeking help can provide individuals with the support and guidance they need to navigate through the challenging journey of healing.

 

Dr. Dan Allender, a leading expert in trauma and faith, emphasizes the significance of seeking help by stating, 'Seeking help is the first step towards reclaiming your story. It takes courage and humility to admit that you need help, but it is a crucial step towards healing.' Seeking help allows individuals to process their trauma in a safe and non-judgmental environment while also addressing any spiritual conflicts that may arise.

 

The Role of Therapy in Healing Trauma and Faith

Therapy is one of the most effective forms of help for individuals struggling with the collision of trauma and faith. It provides a space for individuals to express their thoughts and emotions freely and work through them with a trained professional. Dr. Allender states, 'In therapy, you have the opportunity to explore your trauma in-depth, understand its impact on your faith, and work towards healing and growth.'

 

Therapists use evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness practices to help individuals process their trauma and address any spiritual conflicts. These techniques can aid in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, while also promoting a healthy relationship with faith.

 

The Role of Faith in Healing Trauma

For many individuals, their faith is a significant source of strength and comfort during difficult times. However, when trauma collides with faith, it can also lead to feelings of anger, confusion, and doubt. Seeking help can help individuals reconcile their trauma and faith by addressing any spiritual conflicts that may arise.

 

According to Dr. Jamie Aten, the founder and executive director of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute, 'Incorporating faith into the healing process can provide individuals with a sense of hope, meaning, and purpose.' Faith-based therapy approaches, such as Christian counseling, can help individuals reconnect with their faith and find comfort in it while working through their trauma.

 

The Call-to-Action: Seeking Help is a Brave Choice

If you are someone who is struggling with the collision of trauma and faith, I urge you to consider seeking help. It takes courage to admit that you need support and to take the necessary steps towards healing. Remember that seeking help does not mean you lack faith; instead, it shows that you are taking an active role in reclaiming your story and finding peace.

 

As a subject matter expert, I am dedicated to helping individuals heal from the impact of trauma on their faith. On my website, you will find valuable resources, information, and support to guide you on your journey towards healing. Take the brave step of seeking help, and visit my website today to begin your healing journey. Remember, you are not alone, and there is no shame in asking for help.

Advice from the Experts: What Happens When Trauma Collides with Faith? 

Trauma and faith are two powerful forces that can both play a major role in a person’s life. When trauma and faith collide, the impact of the collision can be devastating and overwhelming. It is important to understand the effects of trauma on faith, and to have access to resources and support to help manage the response to trauma and ensure a successful healing journey.

 

Trauma can be defined as an event or experience that is overwhelming and can lead to shock, fear, and feelings of helplessness. Trauma can be physical or psychological, and can be caused by a variety of events, such as an accident, natural disasters, or violence. When trauma and faith collide, the impact can be especially difficult to manage. Trauma can lead to feelings of doubt, fear, and guilt, which can be damaging to a person’s faith.

 

The impact of trauma on faith can be seen in many different ways. For example, a person who has experienced trauma may find it difficult to connect with their faith. They may experience feelings of guilt and doubt, and may struggle to find meaning in their faith. This can lead to feelings of anger and depression, and may even cause a person to reject their faith altogether.

 

The effects of trauma on faith can also be seen in how a person responds to their faith. A person who has experienced trauma may respond differently to their faith than they did before the trauma. They may become more critical of their faith, and may question their beliefs and values. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, and can even cause a person to lose their faith altogether.

 

It is important to understand that trauma and faith can both have an impact on a person’s life. It is also important to remember that the way a person manages their response to trauma can determine their healing journey. Wearing the mask of faith does not prevent trauma from impacting a person’s life in negative ways. It is important to seek help and support when dealing with trauma and faith, and to have access to resources and guidance to ensure a successful healing journey.

 

If you or someone you know is struggling with the impact of trauma and faith, I invite you to join me in my upcoming webinar. In the webinar, I will be discussing the effects of trauma on faith, and providing guidance and advice on how to manage the response to trauma and ensure a successful healing journey. I will also be discussing ways to connect with your faith and find meaning in the face of trauma.

 

In conclusion, trauma and faith can both have a powerful impact on a person’s life. When these two forces collide, the impact can be devastating and overwhelming. It is important to understand the effects of trauma on faith, and to have access to resources and support to help manage the response to trauma and ensure a successful healing journey. If you or someone you know is struggling with the impact of trauma and faith, I invite you to join me in my upcoming webinar.

https://expertise.tv/webinar/holding-onto-me-healing-trauma-with-tlc-trauma-informed-loving-conversation/landing

Beyonce's Song Church Girl 

I'm confused about why it is called Church Girl. Is she saying Church Girls are thotties? Is she says Church Girls are looking for "daddies"? Is she saying Church Girls drop that $%%$#? Is she saying Church Girls can do what they want as long as they show up for church on Sunday?

 

Get Beyonce's New Album, Listen to the Church Girl Song and let me know what you think

3 Ways To Hold On To Your Peace When Your Trauma Is Triggered 

Trauma has impacted us in ways we have yet to understand. Our emotional response to our trauma is a result of the trigger. It is okay to not be okay. There is no golden rule that says our hearts and minds are not affected by trauma. The good news is we are loved by a God who knows all about what we go through. We are spiritual beings going through a human experience. In that experience, we face challenges to our faith. We can believe God and still be triggered by our trauma. God promises us a peace that passes all understanding in Phillipians 4:6-7 (AMP) "Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your specific requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]." As we live, move, and have our being in and through God, our peace is at stake when our trauma is triggered. The truth is God has given us endless access to peace. It is up to us to preserve and protect it. There are three ways that we can hold on to our peace when our trauma is triggered. Take a pause, say a prayer, make a plan. We take the pause to bring our mind into subjection. What you say to yourself drives your emotions which drives your behavior. When you take that pause you allow the Holy Spirit to arrest what you are saying to yourself in that moment. You then say a prayer to make the voice of the Holy Spirit louder than your voice which is telling you to give in to your flesh. Finally, you make a plan to address how you are going to handle this moment if it comes around again. Trauma triggers come from an external source. There are some things that you have little to no control over. It is up to you to prepare your heart and your mind to hold on to your peace.