The podcast, The Trauma Therapist Project- The Military Series by Guy MacPherson with Lt. Eric Strom gives listeners an inside look on what it's like to be a trauma therapist and how the interviewee became an expert in the field of trauma. Let's take a brief look into who Eric Strom is, why he became interested in social work, why he chose to specialize in trauma with veterans, challenges he faced while working in the field, and valuable advice he has for non-veteran therapists and new upcoming therapists.
McMinn 4-MAT Review: Psychology, Theology and Spirituality Toya V Mitchell Liberty University Review The text Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling written by Dr. Mark McMinn brings psychology, theology and spirituality together within the counseling office. Throughout the book McMinn presents several challenges that counselors face within their profession, spiritual relationship and personal self (McMinn, 2011). These challenges include areas of competence, blurred personal-professional distinctions, training difficulties, dominant views of mental health, lack of scientific foundations and ethical standards.
McMinn Book Review Summary In order to improve the distinctive facets of how therapists support individuals, McMinn used psychology, theology and spiritually. McMinn (2011, p. 351) believed that it is very vital for therapists to be fervent and flexible much more with their personal piety and practices because these may affect the process and outcome of counseling. In Chapter 1, McMinn (2011, p. 293) emphasized about how Christian counselors face professional and personal challenges in the interdisciplinary integration. Chapter 2 talks about the complexity of Christian counseling because its goals are multifaceted.
In times of dire stress, people will do anything to gain the help they need. One common choice of action is to pray for
Mental health professionals face multiple stressors while counseling clients in crisis (McCann, Beddoe, McCormick, Huggard, Kedge, Adamson, & Huggard, 2013). Choosing a model of crisis counseling congruent with a counselor’s therapeutic style promotes resiliency and a foundation for a strong therapeutic relationship when delivering trauma focused treatment to clients. Additionally, counseling professionals experience compassion fatigue, burnout, and vicarious trauma when failing to address difficult thoughts and emotions in relation to a client’s trauma (Warren, Morgan, Blue Morris, & Mood Morris, 2010). Furthermore, mental health professionals developing and implementing a realistic self-care plan, aids in preventing compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma to promote overall counselor wellness (Warren et al., 2010).
It is the process of recognizing brokenness to propel us to wholeness through life-giving relationships (McMinn, 2011). This is seen through generations and a variety of disciplinary studies. Being aware of a need is a prerequisite for seeking help and growing. Although the map is simple, real life and healing is complicated and their are many facets to Christian counseling. We need to acknowledge the role that the self, the relationship, and God all play in the healing process.
Christians may recognize that the best form of counseling or therapy is one that is Christ focused, but that does not mean that every other method should be disregarded or be labeled not effective. This paper will look at the biblical supporting truths and limitations of an approach called Client-Centered Therapy (CCT). CCT is a model that has proven to be effective and has influenced many other therapy concepts and techniques, but is it enough to stand alone for a client with a biblical worldview. Support for CCT There are a lot of things in life that are not inherently Christian, but when analyzed they can share biblical truths and ideas.
Families, who encounter problems, whether it is in their marriage or a parental issue with a child, will pursue counseling as a way to help mend the broken family dynamic. If the family has a strong Christian belief system and worldview, they might feel more comfortable receiving therapy from a pastor in the church or from a therapist that will incorporate a Christian perspective into the therapeutic approach. The articles Counseling From The Christian Point Of View, Just What Is Christian Counseling Anyway?, and an interview with professor Chip Vining will show the different methods of a Christian approach and how to accommodate families who wish to have their counselor integrate faith as part of therapy. Chip Vining is a pastor as well
What might happen if you, as the crisis intervention worker, were not knowledgeable about these “invisible wounds”? As a crisis intervention worker if I were not knowledgeable about “invisible wounds” I would reach out to some of my local organizing and get information from them to help educate me on Veterans. Military One Source is an excellent tool to use to get information and education as well. Military One Source is a free service which offers information as well as can be helpful for a crisis intervention worker to get information.
“Crisis” refers to situations in which a client identifies a sudden loss of their ability to utilize with critical thinking and coping skills. Fatal situations can be identified with variable conditions, Such as natural disasters (Eg: Earthquake or tornado), the drastic changes in relationships to the loss of it (Eg: demise of a friend or family member or divorce). Crisis Intervention includes techniques that offers immediate and short-term assistance to clients who have encountered situations that produces emotional, mental, physical, and behavioural distress. It has several purposes, it aims to lessen the force of a client’s enthusiastic, mental, physical and behavioral reaction to a crisis. Another purpose is to help clients return to their level of functioning before the crisis.
Practice Theory Paper Lisa Larionova Toronto Metropolitan University SWP 331 - 021 Dr. Steven Solomon. March 26, 2024 This paper will delve into the approach of crisis intervention (CI), evaluating its strengths, limitations, personal connection, and application in future social work practice. Through an analysis of the core principles, techniques, and practical implications, the aim is to underscore the significance of crisis intervention in addressing acute psychological distress and fostering resilience among individuals and communities. Globally, a significant number of emergency calls made to police departments are related to mental health crises.
We bring glory by making decisions that portray our belief and dependence on God in all circumstances, taking actions that replicates the same compassionate comfort God offers us, and enduring suffering and hardship faithfully. The Biblical Crisis Intervention (BCI) is the model to use to protect people in the storms of crisis. The BCI’s four foundations make up the handle of the umbrella
This self-awareness should include continuously examining their own development and unexamined personal trauma, as well as, personal biases, ideas, values, and beliefs related to culture, crisis, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and suicide. Counselors should also practice self-awareness related to their own knowledge and level of competence in providing crisis services. Lastly, self-awareness should include monitoring their personal reactions to the trauma and crisis they are working with, changes to their own personal schema, and failures to address personal issues (Sartor, 2016). By engaging in self-awareness, the counselor can provide appropriate services to assist the client, rather than cause harm. Furthermore, practicing self-awareness and engaging in self-care activities can serve to protect crisis counselors from burnout, vicarious trauma, secondary trauma, and compassion fatigue (Sartor, 2016; Jackson-Cherry & Erford,
He will assist and implement realistic action steps for his clients. Some individuals are trapped in a crisis situation and do not know how to overcome it. To help clients pass through their current crisis, a Crisis Interventionist guides them through their intense feelings by providing an attachment in reality and provides support. It is important for a Crisis Interventionist to engage in active listening and avoid asking “why” questions as these may imply blaming or accusing a client. Crisis interventionist may conduct assessments or refer clients to a medical doctor or psychiatrist if he feels that their symptoms are treatable and may need medical assistance.
This is indeed a much needed resource for the church today. There is arguably no more shame-laden and guilt-inducing issue than sexual abuse. It is a constant companion that threatens (and brutally succeeds) to hinder all personal, social, and spiritual growth in the abused individual. Having never had any personal experience with sexual abuse but having three precious daughters, Dr. Allender presented a compelling case for every parent and youth worker to be alert to the dangers and reality of sexual abuse. His approach was unique and different from secular counselors in that it is incredibly Christ-centered.
