{"id":5756,"date":"2023-11-30T02:18:19","date_gmt":"2023-11-30T02:18:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.giftfromwithin.org\/?page_id=5756"},"modified":"2023-11-30T02:18:21","modified_gmt":"2023-11-30T02:18:21","slug":"trauma-and-spirituality","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.giftfromwithin.org\/ptsd\/trauma-and-spirituality\/","title":{"rendered":"Trauma and Spirituality"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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By
Amy Menna, Ph.D., LMHC CAP<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does one discuss Spirituality in the same breath as Trauma? Can they both coincide? The answer to these questions cannot be revealed in an article or by anyone else but the survivor. This article is about Spirituality and how the survivor can reclaim it in his or her life. It is often said that “if there was a God, why did _____ happen?” This article is not about philosophical answers and does not wish to push any religious agenda. It is not about God unless the survivor called his or her Higher Power God. It is about defining what spirituality in one’s life and being able to draw strength from it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we grow up, we are constantly learning about ourselves and the world. We are brought up with the notion that the world is a safe place. But what happens when it is not? What do we do then? How do we draw from a Spiritual Presence when we have felt so alone in the past?<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Trauma can cause a disconnection from various parts of a person’s being. This disconnect happens as a defense mechanism again feeling the effects of the trauma. Unfortunately, this disconnect can also be prolonged and present itself in survivor’s relationships with family, friends, and a Higher Power. In this complex world, it is best to have full access to all of them to survive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many survivors of trauma become angry at God or the Entity they believe in. There are questions such as; “Where were you?” “Why didn’t you protect me?” or simply, “Why me?” Survivors may feel as if they are broken or not worthy of love. It seems like having a connection is for those who are able to have faith and trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For many survivors, it is important to recapture their spirituality in order to aid their healing. It is essential that they be given permission to create a Higher Power of their understanding. It is possible to create a new connection, one that is based on love, acceptance, and safety. These qualities are often shaken when an individual experiences trauma. They are replaced with feelings of judgment and shame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some suggestions on reclaiming one’s spirituality. It is not meant to be exhaustive nor will it feel right for every individual. It is suggested that you do this with a friend, counselor, or spiritual advisor. It may help to confront one’s trauma with someone else’s help. It may be a place too scary to go alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step One: Validate the effects the trauma has had on your life.
Trauma affects lives in so many different ways. It is important to honor how it has affected yours. It may have had an impact on your relationships, self-esteem, feelings of safety, and the list could go on ad nauseam. These are scars that only you know about and it’s time to share them with others and lessen the shame associated with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Journal Exercise: Write a list of the effects the trauma has had on you in the following areas;<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n