FAQ: Trauma work is intensive, How do you balance preparing clients for the reality of that difficult journey while simultaneously guiding them toward the hope found in a redemptive story?
At Life to the Full, our aim is to foster holistic Christian flourishing by integrating professional psychological expertise with a Christian worldview, guiding individuals towards meaning, purpose, and hope. When clients approach us with experiences of trauma, we understand that it is often an intensive and deeply personal journey. Our approach is designed to both prepare them for the challenges ahead and help them find enduring hope by framing their suffering within a redemptive story.
Preparing Clients for the Intensive Nature of Trauma Counselling
Trauma counselling at Life to the Full is primarily delivered through our psychological services, led by our clinical psychologists such as David Scoffield, our Clinical Director. Clients often describe their experiences using terms like "past hurts," "issues from your childhood," or "abusive relationships".
Our preparation involves several key aspects:
Specialised Therapeutic Modalities:
Our preferred approach for trauma is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), a therapeutic modality in which David Scoffield has specialised training. Should EMDR feel too confronting for a client, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is also an established and effective pathway for trauma recovery that our psychologists utilise.
Transparency about the Process:
We are very candid with our clients, explaining that trauma counselling, particularly with EMDR, can be intensely confronting. It is important for us to preface that clients may experience a temporary worsening before improvement, and it might even feel like "unleashing Pandora's box" initially. We assure them that this is a normal and often necessary part of the process, indicating that the therapy is working, not that they are doing anything "wrong". We emphasise that avoiding the pain, often through unhealthy coping mechanisms, generally leads to greater hurt in the long run.
The Client Journey and Internal Triage:
When a client comes to us with a history of trauma, the initial sessions, often the first two to three, involve "downloading" their experiences to help the therapist gain a thorough understanding of their situation. While clients can initially self-select a professional based on their perceived needs, our internal triage model ensures that if the primary issue is psychological, we may recommend a referral to a psychologist, always with the client's explicit permission and a signed confidentiality waiver. On average, a trauma client might experience about 10 sessions, often staggered over a year due to Australia's mental healthcare plan system.
Confidentiality:
We stress that confidentiality is paramount in our work, especially given the sensitive nature of trauma. We use secure, industry-specific information systems, and all Zoom links for telehealth are private, not public, ensuring high levels of privacy and security. We also make it clear that information will not be shared with employers in Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) unless there's an immediate danger or criminal disclosure, which helps reduce the stigma for staff seeking support.
Guiding Clients Towards Hope within a Redemptive Story
Our Christian framework is fundamental to how we help clients find and maintain hope amidst their suffering. We believe that even in the most challenging experiences, God can work to bring about a redemptive story.
Here's how we guide them:
Framing Suffering for Deeper Formation:
We are theologically convinced that our deepest spiritual formation often occurs when life is hard, not when it is easy. This perspective helps clients understand that their pain, though real and acknowledged, can be used by God for deeper connection and growth. We encourage clients to lament and grieve their experiences, trusting that God can use even the most difficult experiences to "write a deeper story" in their lives. This approach is not about denying the pain, but acknowledging it while nurturing hope in God's healing power.
Affirming Identity in Christ:
Trauma frequently leaves individuals feeling unsafe, powerless, or "less than". We offer a powerful counter-narrative from the Gospel, affirming that clients are beloved children of God and their worth is not shaken by human experiences or the trauma they have endured. We remind them that God's heart "goes out to the poor in spirit," and their wounds can actually make them "even more qualified" to approach the "great healer".
Forgiveness and Divine Justice:
When trauma involves harm caused by others, complex questions about forgiveness often arise. We clarify that forgiveness does not mean condoning harmful actions or requiring re-entry into abusive relationships. Instead, it involves acknowledging the transgression and trusting in divine justice, with the belief that God will ultimately "call all actions into account". This helps clients find peace even if they don't see full earthly resolution.
God's Faithfulness as a Source of Strength:
We draw upon the concept of God's past faithfulness as a source of significant strength for navigating future uncertainties. By reflecting on how God has been present through past ups and downs, clients can trust that His mercies are "new every morning" and His grace is "always sufficient," providing a "counter voice" to anxiety and stress.
Exploring Biblical Principles (for all clients):
For clients who may not identify as practicing Christians, we utilise "thought experiments" to explore the implications of biblical principles without requiring immediate agreement. This approach allows clients to scrutinise and examine how these principles, such as God being a perfectly loving Heavenly Father, might offer existential satisfaction and a different framework for understanding their experiences.
At Life to the Full, we strive to be a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can courageously explore their challenges, process their trauma, and ultimately find genuine healing and renewed purpose through a Christ-centred hope. We believe that acknowledging vulnerabilities and seeking professional support is a sign of true strength.
Ready to take this important step?
Contact Life to the Full today to learn more and schedule your sessions.