Counseling Survivors of Traumatic Events: A Handbook for Pastors and Other Helping Professionals

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Summary: Counseling Survivors of Traumatic Events
Review: Counseling Survivors of Traumatic Events: A Handbook for Pastors and Other Religious Professionals is designed to be a text for those in training for pastoral ministry, as well as a practical resource for women and men already serving in ministry. The volume addresses the aftermath of a wide array of traumatic events (e.g., natural disasters, criminal violence, catastrophic accidents, life-threatening illnesses) and the mental health difficulties, especially post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), that may be experienced as a result. In the light of the threat of global terrorism, it is especially important that those in ministry understand how to help guide persons through very difficult places.
Part 1 offers information about the important role that clergy and the faith community serve in the mental health care of persons who have survived an intensely horrifying or deeply disturbing event. This section spells out the need for special expertise by pastors and other religious professionals as to how to recognize and address psychological trauma. The scientific evidence that non-punitive, nurturing religious beliefs and practices serve a healing function for those traumatized is summarized.
The heart of the book is the case studies found in Part 2, which use real life situations and highlight practical implications for pastors working with the traumatized. This format incorporates relevant research and identifies the needs of persons suffering from psychological trauma. The case studies are multidisciplinary in approach, integrating clinical knowledge in pastoral care, psychology, nursing, psychiatry, gerontology, sociology, medicine, social work, and marriage and family therapy, along with current scientific findings on the role of religion in mental and physical health care. The volume recognizes that the difficulties which individuals face in the aftermath of horrific life-events do not stand in isolation from one another but are interrelated. For example, the chapter involving psychological trauma in police officers addresses PTSD, substance abuse and depression.
The book is designed so that a reader can easily locate information on specific issues related to psychological trauma for which individuals and families seek help. It is a practical, easy-to-use guide on how to assess problems and respond to them. The table of contents provides the subject matter of 16 traumatic events that often affect human beings.
Each case provides an example of a person who has survived a specific traumatic event and is in need of help. Included in each chapter is information about how a religious professional would assess the problem, what aspects of the situation are most important, how to identify the major issues, specific directions about what a pastor and congregation can do, when to refer for professional assistance, and information about resources that can provide help. National organizations (often with toll-free numbers and internet addresses) that supply information and support for individuals and families facing these issues are identified for each concern addressed. Cross-cultural aspects are discussed as well
Part 3 of the book has a section on how to respond to different types of crisis situations as well as guidelines on self care for religious professionals working with traumatized persons. There is also section on how and when to make a referral. Technical terms are defined in the glossary at the end of the book.
The text is written for people of all faiths, with an appreciation for the richness of the intergenerational and multicultural diversity found in religious communities. The authors are people of faith with specialties in mental health.
Dr. Weaver is a clinical psychologist and ordained United Methodist minister who has served rural and urban parishes. He is the Director of Research at The HealthCare Chaplaincy in New York City. He has written over 90 scientific articles and book chapters and has co-authored 8 books. Dr. Flannelly is a Roman Catholic laywoman and Associate Professor of Nursing at the University of Hawaii. She has worked extensively as a clinical nurse specialist and has written several articles on the role of spirituality in nursing. Dr. Preston is Associate Professor of Psychology at Alliant International University in Sacramento, California and an active layman in The United Methodist Church. He has written over 30 scientific articles and book chapters and has authored or co-authored 14 books.

Rating:
Summary: Great Resource for Helping Professionals
Review: What a great resource for not only pastors, but every front-line helping professional! This books offers down-to-earth case studies and easy-to-understand recommendations for assessing and counseling people who have faced a variety of traumas, from school violence and rape to natural disaster and terrorism. And it does not overlook the problem of "compassion fatigue" among pastors and the need for self-care. This book places the spiritual dimension where it belongs, front-and-center among the resources for helping people coping with trauma.

Rating:
Summary: Great Resource for Helping Professionals
Review: What a great resource for not only pastors, but every front-line helping professional! This books offers down-to-earth case studies and easy-to-understand recommendations for assessing and counseling people who have faced a variety of traumas, from school violence and rape to natural disaster and terrorism. And it does not overlook the problem of "compassion fatigue" among pastors and the need for self-care. This book places the spiritual dimension where it belongs, front-and-center among the resources for helping people coping with trauma.