Below is a video from the presentation of “Post-Traumatic Stress.” For the various counseling options available from this material visit www.summitrdu.com/counseling.
NOTE: Many people have asked how they can get a copy of the seminar notebook referenced in this verbal presentation. You can request a copy from Summit’s admin over counseling at counseling@summitrdu.com (please note this is an administrative account; no individual or family counsel is provided through e-mail).
“There Seems to Be No Place to Rest”
PREPARE yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually to face your suffering.
Trauma: Step One, Brad Hambrick from The Sam James Institute on Vimeo.
Memorize: Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV), “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” As you memorize this passage reflect upon these key points:
- “Come to me” – Jesus wants to give you more than an answer or a process. He offers Himself.
- “Are heavy laden” – Trauma and its aftermath is intense. God recognizes the weight of this journey.
- “I will give you rest… for your souls” – God wants to give his children rest at the deepest part of our being.
- “Learn from me” – Jesus is well-acquainted with the journey ahead of you (Isaiah 53:3). He knows the way.
- “I am gentle” – Jesus will travel this journey at a pace you can bear. His concern is for you.
Teaching Notes
“Read any part of the Bible, and you will see that horrific, traumatic events have been part of the world since the fall of humanity into sin and suffering. Life in this world is full of trauma, suffering, and hurt. Yet it is within this context that the God of grace meets people and gives them hope, comfort, and courage to face the uncertainties of life (p. 9-10).” Tim Lane in PTSD
“Experiencing authentic Christian community is one of the most important ways shame-based lies about oneself can be challenged (p. 90).” Steven R. Tracy in Mending the Soul
“It’s true that the ‘heart knows its own bitterness’ (Proverbs 14:10), and even your dearest friend can’t fully understand the terror, the aloneness, the pain, and the horror you experienced. But Jesus does understand, and he is with you (p. 5).” David Powlison in Recovering from Child Abuse
“She may need some practical suggestions for how to manage both anxiety and depression. Few clients know that a regular program of exercise can be beneficial for both of these. Exercise can sometimes help lift the depression physiologically and reduce anxiety as well. Entering into an exercise program is often the first experience a client has of assuming control over her own body (p. 118).” Diane Langberg in Counseling Survivors of Sexual Abuse
“It is very tempting to take the side of the perpetrator. All the perpetrator asked is that the bystander do nothing. He appeals to the universal desire to see, hear, and speak no evil. The victim, on the contrary, ask the bystander to share the burden of pain. The victim demands action, encouragement, and remembering (p. 7-8).” Judith Hermann in Trauma and Recovery
“You will want someone who allows you to be honest about your struggles, that makes you feel safe at the same time. If you are not careful and you begin to process memories with someone who is not skilled enough, it could make things worse (p. 18).” Tim Lane in PTSD