I previously shared a blog about understanding trauma, and now I’d like to delve into healing from complex trauma. This journey is deeply personal and often demands time and patience. Each individual’s experience is unique, which means that different approaches will resonate with different people. While I have faith that God can heal anyone from anything, this healing process typically unfolds gradually.

The Temptation of Escapism

For many dealing with complex trauma, the urge to escape negative feelings can be overwhelming. Substances—whether drugs, alcohol, or other forms of numbing—often seem like an easy way to cope. However, these methods are temporary solutions that only complicate matters. Relying on substances can lead to additional challenges, requiring further treatment and preventing true healing. The key is to face the trauma and regain control over its influence in our lives.

Practical Coping Strategies

Once we recognize trauma triggers, having effective coping tools is essential. Here are a few techniques that can help:

1. Deep Breathing: This simple yet powerful method helps calm the nervous system. Inhale deeply for four counts and exhale slowly for eight. Some people find comfort in incorporating their faith into breathing by inhaling the name of Jesus and exhaling their trauma, visualizing this process while calming their breath.
2. Exercise: Physical activity serves as a reset button, releasing endorphins and boosting mood. It’s a practical way to ground yourself and clear your mind.
3. Progressive Muscle Relaxation: This technique involves tensing and then relaxing each muscle group, helping you recognize the difference between tension and relaxation. Practicing this regularly can make it easier to trigger relaxation when stress arises.
4. Christian Meditation: Engaging with scripture can be a grounding practice. Lectio Divina, a meditative reading of the Bible, is an effective way to connect spiritually. Or put on worship music and meditate to the lyrics.

Therapeutic Approaches for Healing

For those seeking professional help, various therapies can aid in the healing process and have been shown to be effective. They include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to work on thoughts, emotions and behaviors associated with trauma.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR} to help you process traumatic memories and develop healthier beliefs through guided techniques.
• Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help you integrate different parts of your personality in order to heal.
• Somatic Therapies to teach you how to release trauma stored in the body, promoting a sense of safety and calm.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to teach you how to navigate intense emotions and be more interpersonally effective.

Embracing Hope and Transformation

The ultimate goal is to break free from the grip of trauma and live fully. Your worst days can indeed be behind you, as you embrace healing through therapy and your faith. Remember these empowering truths:

1. When we are weak, with Christ, we are strong.
2. Suffering can be used for good. It brings patience and empathy, enabling us to comfort others.
3. Jesus is our model for resilience, showing us how to overcome through His strength.
4. Be grounded in God’s presence by cultivating a practice of prayer.
5. Root your identity in Christ and not on what has happened to you.

Healing is possible. Find a Christian therapist and work through the trauma. Don’t allow it to define your life.