Why trauma-informed spiritual direction?
TRAUMA IS A PART OF BEING HUMAN
Trauma (as simply as I can describe it) is what happens IN US as a result of what happened TO US, something more than we could bear at the time.
One of my favorite trauma experts, Dr. Frank Anderson, explains it this way:
“I believe in a fundamental and universal truth: Trauma blocks love and connection, and healing our wounds provides access to the love and goodness that is inherent in us all. I further believe we each possess internal wisdom—an inner compass, a truth in feeling—and when we’re connected to these inner resources, we are in alignment and can live our best authentic life. Trauma violates this connection within us and disrupts our ability to bond freely with others.”
Dr. Anderson helps us see trauma as inherent in the human condition – something that affects us all. This view is consonant with what other experts are saying.
Being a human being is hard and painful. When we know this is true, another dimension can emerge for us, a new lens to look compassionately upon ourselves and others. We can use what we see here to be curious about the dynamics that exist in our relational fields.
There are varying classifications of trauma, based in part on the severity and frequency of traumatic events, of course. But as a starting place, I’m hoping to invite us to see trauma as a basic part of being a human.
TRAUMA-INFORMED SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
Trauma can be considered a spiritual wound, because it separates us from our inner wisdom and disrupts our connections (to Self, others, Spirit, and the Earth).
In trauma-informed spiritual direction, we aren’t “working with” trauma therapeutically. We are seeking to “be with” trauma in the ways it arises organically. It can be a place to recover, establish, and cultivate connection to wisdom.
The primary way I’m bringing a trauma-informed perspective to the direction space is by attending to my own trauma. I’m growing more aware of what it feels like when my own nervous system is activated. I’m resourcing myself, so I can hold space for directees safely.
Safety is a prerequisite for connection. Humans are relational creatures, but if our nervous systems are picking up on signs of danger (whether or not there is a present-tense threat), we can’t settle into connection.
It’s my responsibility to tend the space with wisdom and care. There are ways we can promote safety in the space between us. We can bring in micro-practices for noticing, grounding, and attuning. Sometimes, it takes time to establish relational safety. My aim is to continually support your agency in the space.
With a little bit of information about how our brains/bodies work, we are more able to notice shifts in our sense of safety and attend to those needs. We can also name ruptures, no matter how small, and practice repair in the space between us.
I’ll be sharing some posts with information and tools to support growing in safety and awareness, in case you have interest in exploring.
In a future post, I’ll give examples of what is has looked like to bring contemplative curiosity into my own experience of receiving trauma-informed spiritual direction. I hope this will offer a glimpse what I mean by “being with” trauma as it arises in context during a session.
Would you like some company or gentle guidance as you listen for wisdom and explore new ways of engaging with your soul? Kirsten offers spacious accompaniment and trauma-informed spiritual direction. I’d love to hear what’s stirring in you and meet with you for a free exploration session.
