fbpx

4 Ways to Help Someone with Trauma

by | Trauma & PTSD

4 ways to help someone with trauma cornerstone christian counseling

It can be a challenging task to help someone with trauma. It requires a generous amount of empathy, patience, and understanding. Trauma is a pervasive mental health issue that affects millions of people worldwide, leaving them feeling isolated and trapped in darkness. As a caring individual, it can be heart-wrenching to witness a loved one struggling with trauma, particularly when they resist seeking help from a counselor. In this blog post, we will explore four practical ideas informed by both scientific and Christian perspectives on how to help someone with trauma.

This information is not designed to provide a diagnosis or replace a clinically excellent Christian counselor.

4 ways to Help Someone with Trauma

1) Listen and Validate
One of the most powerful ways to assist individuals with trauma is by providing a compassionate ear. Simply listening to them without judgment or interruption can make a profound difference. Many individuals with trauma feel unheard, misunderstood, and alone, so validating their emotions and creating a safe space for them to express themselves is crucial. Through active listening, we can convey that their feelings are valid and worthy of attention, mirroring Christ’s love and understanding.
2) Offer Support

Trauma can make even mundane tasks overwhelming and exhausting for those affected. By offering practical support, such as cooking a meal or helping with household chores, we can alleviate some of their burdens. Establishing a routine for them or encouraging them to seek therapy can also be immensely beneficial. Assisting them in finding professional help is an important step in their journey toward healing and recovery, aligning with Christ’s call to serve others selflessly.

3) Practice Patience
Recovery from trauma is rarely a linear process, and setbacks are common. It is vital to remain patient and understanding, even when progress seems slow or non-existent. Instead of pressuring your loved one to “snap out of it” or dismissing their struggles, affirm your unwavering support. Remind them that you believe in their ability to overcome their trauma, just as Christ believes in their strength and resilience.
4) Educate Yourself
To be a more effective ally in supporting loved ones with trauma, it is essential to educate yourself about mental health. Understanding their experiences, symptoms, and available treatments will provide valuable insights into their journey. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learn about different therapeutic approaches, and be aware of the potential challenges they may face during their recovery. Through education, you can offer more informed support and demonstrate Christ-like compassion and empathy.
Supporting someone with trauma requires a delicate balance of empathy, patience, and understanding. By actively listening, validating their experiences, offering practical support, practicing patience, and educating yourself, you can become a source of light and hope in their journey toward healing. Remember, Jesus calls us to love and serve others, especially those who are suffering. At Cornerstone Christian Counseling, we celebrate your commitment to seeing your loved ones flourish. We offer a range of counseling services, provided by our team of clinically excellent Christian counselors. Life is a journey filled with highs and lows, and we are here to help you navigate the challenges. When you are ready, reach out to us through a phone call or schedule an appointment online, and together we will determine the best steps to support your loved one’s healing process.

FIND A CHRISTIAN THERAPIST

Research shows that much of the change people experience during their time in therapy is because they felt heard and understood by their therapist–that their therapist “got them” and that the guidance they gave was relevant and applicable.  Because of this, it is critical that you find a therapist whom you can connect with, whom you feel comfortable with, whom you feel “gets you.” Therefore, we encourage you to take a few minutes to read a little about each one of our therapists. If you prefer to look at the counselors nearest to you, please click the office location buttons below. Otherwise, you can meet with any of our Christian Counselors online from the comfort of your own home. If you have questions about any of them, please contact us!

  • Find A Counselor

  • Location

  • Type of Counseling

  • Client Concerns

  • Client Age

  • Counselor Experience

  • Gender of Therapist

Richard Vigil

MS, LPCC
View Bio
Schedule Appointment

Erica Rebeterano

MA, LPCC      
View Bio
Schedule Appointment

AUDRA UHT

MA, LPCC, NCC
View Bio
Schedule Appointment
Rachel Zenisek Cornerstone Christian Counseling

RACHEL ZENISEK

MA, LPCC
View Bio
Schedule Appointment
Corrie Simpson Christian Counselor and Play Therapist at Cornestone Christian Counseling in Colorado

CORRIE SIMPSON

MA, LPCC
View Bio
Schedule Appointment
Devin Pierce Cornerstone Christian Counseling

DEVIN P. PIERCE

MA, LPC, NCC
View Bio
Schedule Appointment

Justin Fensterman

MA, LPC
View Bio
Schedule Appointment
Lauren Hannaway

Lauren Hannaway

MA-Level Intern      
View Bio
Schedule Appointment
Kat Bozzay

Kat Bozzay

MA-Level Intern      
View Bio
Schedule Appointment
Breanna Thomas

Breanna Thomas

MA-Level Intern      
View Bio
Schedule Appointment
1 2 3 … 6
Get to know our team of christian counselors! Follow Cornerstone on social media