The word “trauma” can mean different things to different people. But for anyone who has experienced trauma, it triggers something inside us. I personally have walked through traumatic experiences and know the complex journey of working through and making sense of those triggers.

When we are triggered, we can react in different ways. Some people may be flooded by painful and stressful memories. Others may be so overcome with fear that they feel debilitated. There is a strong possibility that these are the effects of unresolved trauma.

Many people initially dismiss the idea that they have trauma, not realizing that traumatic events have many different forms and magnitudes. Whether a traumatic event is big or small, your brain processes all trauma as significant, and your body has one instinct when triggered: protection. But there’s good news! Our minds can be healed, and our stories can be rewritten.

That’s why I’m happy to share two new free resources related to trauma:

Healing From Unresolved Trauma video series
In this six-part video series, registered psychotherapist and Hope Restored counsellor Tara Lalonde will walk you through what trauma is, how it affects your body and relationships, how to identify unresolved trauma, the importance of self-compassion, different forms of treatment, and how to find God in the midst of trauma.
View the series

Recognizing and Navigating Trauma PDF booklet
Like the above video series, this 16-page booklet is filled with biblically based and psychologically sound advice to better understand the effects of trauma and how to find healing. You’ll discover what God has to say on the topic of trauma and how his great plan of redemption can be applied to each of our stories – no matter how difficult they may be.
Get the booklet

If you feel you need to talk to someone after watching this video series or reading the booklet, or if you feel you have unresolved trauma in your life, I want to encourage you to call our care and counselling team. We are here to listen to you and help you through this realization. Call 1.800.661.9800 weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific time.

Blessings,

Jean-Paul Beran, MA
President
Focus on the Family Canada