Throughout my career as a counselor, I have worked with many people who have experienced trauma, some of whom suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). When we think of PTSD, we sometimes assume these are veterans or victims of violent crime. Less obvious, and certainly far less often disclosed, are victims of sexual abuse by family members. Sadly, this is a common occurrence and as a result many in the Church suffer with lasting affects of this quiet type of trauma.
I have seen commonalities in the responses of those who have been hurt or traumatized by family members. Their relationships with God and with other close, seemingly “safe” people are affected by the trauma of their pasts. This is especially true in a church context, in which the family environment can be triggering for those who have experienced abuse at the hands of those who were supposed to be trusted authority figures.
I created a worksheet that helps explain these patterns, which disrupt one’s relational and spiritual life. It also shows a way to break the cycle using mindfulness of the present.
Click here to view the worksheet: Trauma Response Cycle
Please feel free to share this worksheet with others, and check out my books on Amazon for other helpful resources on mental health and spiritual growth.