Trauma and Grief: Resources and Strategies for Ministry - Paperback

by R. Scott Sullender (Author)

In today's world, trauma and traumatic loss are increasingly common. This book surveys the important constructs, concepts, and dynamics of trauma, loss, grief, and growth, offering resources and strategies that ministers and other spiritual caregivers can use as they support and facilitate people in their journey from trauma recovery to grief work to spiritual growth. The book presents a framework for understanding the interrelationship between trauma recovery work, grief work, and spiritual growth. The author argues that each of these components is essential for a full and complete healing from trauma and traumatic losses and that they work together in the ongoing process of healing. Traumas and traumatic losses are times of "crisis" in the sense that they are turning points in people's lives; people can either grow through the experience or decline under the weight of their unbearable sorrow and anxiety. How people handle traumas and significant losses may be the most important variable in their psychological, relational, and spiritual health. The author gives special attention to describing ways in which God might draw close to the traumatized and bereaved in their process of recovery and healing.

Author Biography

R. Scott Sullender is a licensed psychologist, ordained minister, and recently retired professor. He has over 45 years of professional experience in a variety of clinical and religious settings. He is the author of two previous books on trauma and grief--Grief and Growth (1985) and Losses in Later Life (1999)--and one book on healthy spirituality--Ancient Sins . . . Modern Addictions (2013).