No
part of us is unaffected by trauma. Our mind, our body, and our spirit -
especially our ability to experience God as loving and good - are
wounded when we face pain, abuse, and suffering.
Yet,
as spiritual leaders, we are often unaware of the ways trauma impacts
the spiritual life - and how many of our well-intentioned responses can
actually be hurtful for someone who has experienced trauma.
Social
worker and spiritual director Karen Bartlett has been there many times
before. This led her to seminary to study theology and a master's
program to study neuroscience - all to better understand how trauma
impacts our view of God.
When Spirituality and Trauma Collide
brings together her learnings and breaks them down into a simple field
guide that will equip you to respond to trauma in spiritual formation
settings without inflicting harm.