Understanding Trauma
When It’s Trauma: A Biblical Guide to Understanding Trauma and Walking Faithfully with Sufferers, Darby A. Strickland. Phillipsburg: P & R, 2025. Softcover, 308 pages.
In my ministry, I’ve encountered several beloved brothers and sisters who’ve dealt with trauma. I think of those who experienced trauma from combat, from childhood sexual abuse, from rape, from domestic violence, and from medical procedures. All of these (and more) can produce trauma and so it isn’t uncommon. In fact, the latest data from Statistics Canada indicates that over 60% of Canadians have experienced at least one potentially traumatic event in their lives. That doesn’t mean that every person goes on to develop post-traumatic stress. However, some do. Are our churches equipped to minister to those who suffer in this way?
This book was written by Christian counsellor Darby Strickland for that purpose. She writes in the introduction that she wrote “this book for anyone who desires to come alongside someone who has been deeply wounded” (p.9). That could be a church leader, layperson, or counsellor. Since office bearers are called to come alongside the wounded sheep, I’d say that this book will be especially informative for them. Offer to buy a copy for your pastor or your ward elder. Our shepherds need to be “trauma-informed” so as to avoid heaping hurt on the already wounded.
Part 1 introduces the “Foundations of Care,” providing a biblical orientation to what follows. In Part 2, “Wounds of Trauma,” Strickland thoroughly describes the nature of trauma. Each chapter describes a way people experience traumatic hurt: physical anguish, shame, faith questions, relational hypervigilance, re-experienced trauma, and avoidance. Each chapter explains the wound, shows how Scripture speaks about it, goes into more detail about its dynamics and impacts, how to assess, and how to help.
Part 3 is addressed to the church. It’s about becoming a church that doesn’t shoot its wounded, but instead offers a safe place for healing with love and compassion. As throughout When It’s Trauma, Darby Strickland is wise, practical, and realistic. She acknowledges that many trauma sufferers have also experienced church hurt.
Let me mention three things I appreciate about this book. First, Strickland is working with the Scriptures as her basis and guide. Second, the anecdotes illustrate that she has extensive experience in working with the traumatized. Finally, the book also has several helpful appendices, including one about “Empathy vs. Enmeshment.”
Much has been written about trauma and, if you want to become (more) informed, it can be hard to know where to start. I highly recommend starting with Darby Strickland. This is a well-written, compassionate, and biblical faithful guide to a tough subject.
