Trauma in the Pews is in the News!
The growing understanding of the impact of trauma on those in the pews!
This series of posts is a gathering of resources for Trauma in the Pews: The Impact on Faith and Spiritual Practices that will hopefully be helpful in encouraging ministry leaders to become trauma-informed/sensitive/responsive.
Introduction to Trauma in the Pews Resource Content
Trauma in the Pews Resource Index
I was honored to be interviewed by Genevieve Charles, journalist for Religious News Service. This short article is filled with trauma-informed, sensitive, and responsive wisdom!
To feel safe in the pews, trauma must be acknowledged, spiritual directors say
“Despite the growth of trauma-informed ministry, religious leaders believe that more needs to be done for the church and other sacred spaces to be healthy, safe places of connection for congregations. “ (Read more . . . )
Janyne McConnaughey, the author of “Trauma in the Pews,” said the church often frames issues of trauma as spiritual problems that might be remedied by reading the Bible or praying more.
“This person’s been trying to do that for years, and it hasn’t solved the problem,” said McConnaughey, who lives south of Seattle. “They just leave more defeated than helped, and they have more shame about their failure.”
Religious News Service also interviewed my friend, Karen Bartlett concerning how being trauma-informed impacts her role as a spiritual director. I am always appreciative of Karen’s body-based approaches to healing!
A trauma-informed or integrated approach involves creating a sense of safety. It places an emphasis on the body and, therefore, many of the practices are body-based.
“I now very much notice body language,” said Karen Bartlett, a spiritual director with a trauma-informed approach in Wichita, Kansas. “I notice tone of voice. I notice words that are being used, and when trauma starts to emerge, I look at what they’re feeling in their body, and I’ll say, ‘Okay, what are you feeling right now as you’re speaking about this?’ And then, if it gets too uncomfortable, we’ll stop.”
You can find Karen’s books at this link.
When Spirituality and Trauma Collide: A Guidebook for Practitioners of Soul Care
Healing Deepest Hurts: When God Feels Distant and Hope Seems Lost