Trauma & Spiritual Formation: Principles & Practices for Leadership

Course Description

The impact of trauma is pervasive, multi-faceted, and longstanding, impacting the mind, body, and spirit. Consistent with this reality, recovery from trauma is typically a gradual, iterative journey that involves our memories, emotions, bodies, and spirit.

Though not always recognized as such, trauma is endemic to the Christian faith and to Christian communities, its signs and effects persisting even after divine and/or conventional healing. For an example we need look no farther than Christ, who bore scars and memories of his crucifixion in his post-resurrection body.

This course is designed to introduce students to the theory and practice of trauma care. Together, we will engage the psychological literature as well as various theological texts and topics. A component of the course will also provide students with guided support as they consider the potential impact of trauma on their own faith and vocation.