Die pastorale berading van persone met gekompliseerde trauma

Abstract

The research on pastoral counseling of persons struggling with complex trauma was undertaken with the aim of designing a practice-orientated model for pastoral counseling in order to guide such persons to emotional healing, stability and spiritual growth. An exegetical study throws light on the role of prayer and trust in God. One can entrust to God one's problems and one's supplication for help in the firm belief that He will provide a way out. An investigation into counseling perspectives in the Scriptures and in the literature on Christian counseling brought to light that pastoral counseling, which is a mandate given to believers, affords a unique opportunity for lovingly encouraging and consoling people with complex trauma. Contributions by psychiatry and psychology emphasise the phase approach. They stress security and stability, the processing of the traumatic memory and mourning, as well as a renewed commitment to new relationships. The core of the findings is that persons with complex trauma - which is an intricate syndrome relating to a spectrum of post-traumatic disturbances following intense, protracted and repeated trauma - can be guided by pastoral counseling to emotional healing, stability and spiritual growth. Specific reference is made to victims of prolonged family violence and/or physical and/or emotional and/or sexual abuse and/or protracted physical and/or emotional neglect in family context. The empirical research confirmed that the children of the Abraham Krielkinderhuis, Potchefstroom, who were subjected to these traumatic experiences in their parental homes exhibit the typical symptomatology of complex trauma. These entail emotional disturbances like anger and self-injury, disturbances of consciousness like dissociation, disturbances of self-image like stigma, guilt and shame, disturbances in the image of the perpetrator, like unrealistic expectations and finally disturbances in relationships like distrust and loss of faith. The principles and outcome of the empirical research are eventually applicable to all persons struggling with complex trauma. A practice-orientated counseling model was designed which focuses on stabilisation and security, the processing of the traumatic memory and mourning, as well as a renewed commitment to life in abundance and new relationships. In this therapeutic relationship of faith the distress narrative and the narrative of the past are central. God allows everything to turn out for the best for those who trust in Him. In Christ people are more than victors through God's will for their lives.