Trauma: Caring for Survivors (Strickland)

Survivors of trauma often face extreme and overwhelming suffering. Their wounds are so complex—anyone who desires to effectively treat the vast impacts of trauma must offer comprehensive and intentional care.

Darby Strickland helps counselors and helpers to understand trauma and its effects so they can offer compassion and comfort that is both biblical and trauma informed. She presents the foundations of trauma care, so that readers can address the impact of a sufferer’s experience, ensure the safety and stability of the survivor, and build trust with the hurting. These tools will help counselors and helpers to restore a sufferer to flourishing in their love for God and others. In this way, those who counsel trauma sufferers along the perilous journey of recovery can emulate our good and ultimate Guide . . . and learn to trust him for the results.

Author

Darby Strickland counsels and teaches at CCEF. She is a contributor to Becoming a Church That Cares Well for the Abused and author of two booklets, Domestic Abuse: Recognize, Respond, Rescue and Domestic Abuse: Help for the Sufferer.

Endorsements

In this mini-book, Darby distills years of counseling experience into a timely guide for readers to glean from. Writing with biblical compassion, counsel, and comfort, she offers a practical framework for engaging traumatized people wisely and well. If you care for someone whose life has been disrupted by the impact of trauma, you’ll benefit greatly from reading this resource. —Christine Chappell, Author, Midnight Mercies; Host, Hope + Help Podcast, Institute for Biblical Counseling & Discipleship

This book tackles the vital, yet controversial issue of trauma: how do you help people whose souls have been put out of joint by suffering terrible evils? Biblically thoughtful, attuned to the healing role the church can play, and highly practical (including an individualizable ‘Finding Refuge’ plan), this is an excellent companion for those ministering to souls who feel shattered. —Alasdair Groves, Executive Director, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF)

Do you want to be a good friend to someone who’s been through a profoundly difficult experience? In this mini-book, Darby takes you by the hand as you come alongside your friend. Darby orients you to the experience of trauma and helps you to avoid common, well-intentioned mistakes. Take the time to read this book. Your friend will thank you. You will be a better ambassador of God’s comfort because you did. —Brad Hambrick, Pastor of Counseling, The Summit Church; Author, Angry with God

When I face complex situations, I need the counsel of faithful friends who have traveled treacherous paths. Darby does exactly that, guiding the helper to care for those who have experienced the horror of trauma. Read and listen to the years of wisdom curated here, and then take heart in our Savior who promises his presence in the darkest of hours. —Jonathan D. Holmes, Executive Director, Fieldstone Counseling

This helpful booklet addresses the complicated and important topic of trauma with precision, biblical truth, and wisdom. Once again, Darby Strickland helps us to apply grace and truth as we care for hurting people. I’m so thankful for this useful and needed guide for applying the Scriptures to the real world —Mark Vroegop, Lead Pastor, College Park Church, Indianapolis; Author, Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy