Wright, D.
H. Norman. Crisis and Trauma Counseling.
Ventura, California: Regal Books, 2003.
Introduction
The
author begins by introducing the reader to his own personal dilemma where a
decision had to be made. This life story serves as the foundation on which the
subject of human decision making is built. With this approach, the author
relates to his reader while examining personal crisis and trauma counseling. By
defining the nature of crisis the author demonstrates that no one can escape
its inevitability. Thus, we must be
prepared to deal with this important issue. The focus then shifts to define biblical ways
of helping people to recover from traumatic events.
Benefits
Wright acknowledges the fears
ministers have in walking into new situations involving trauma or crisis. Yet,
learning how to handle these situations through education and practice will
develop the minister’s skills in working with victims. Further, the author
advises readers to use biblical principles to help the individual develop
courage to persevere through hard times.
One of the strongest points made by the author
involved the ability of a good counselor to hold his or her tongue. The author
estimates that talking more that 25% of the time is too much. In addition, the
author points out that active listening is different from merely hearing the
person. A good counselor will listen with their eyes, their body and through
affirming understanding and empathy.
The author demonstrates a strong
understanding of people’s feelings and emotions. He recommends that counselors
should examine themselves before advising others on situations. The book
recommends that ministers use Jesus as an example of how to treat crisis/trauma
victims. Jesus demonstrated his ability to accept people while they were
hurting. Through this acceptance he was able to love and help people through
their grief. Yet, Jesus influenced people to take responsibility and control of
their own lives. This was often done through providing individuals with hope
and unconditional love. Emphasizing these values allows individuals to find the
strength to continue past their traumas/crisis and once again live an abundant
life in Him.
Ministers need to be attuned to
their clients. Age, sex, culture and religion all play a role in how a
trauma/crisis victim perceives the conversation. Moreover, these variables
affect the minister’s ability to help individuals in crisis. The book
recommends that ministers know when to ask for more information. If a minister
cannot understand the situation the client is describing it is best to probe
for more details. Although asking questions may seem uncomfortable the author explains
the benefits in fully understanding the situation before giving counsel. However,
ministers need to be careful when they choose to give advice. The author teaches
that once advice is given it cannot be taken back and could have a drastic
impact on the life of that individual and their family. One cannot overemphasis the importance of
choosing the right words of counsel spoken during times of crisis.
The book goes on to remind counselors that
crisis can occur often throughout the life of their clients. Ministers and
other church personal may work with the same individual many times. Some crisis
situations, such as one being diagnosed with cancer, can reoccur and develop as
time goes on. Other tragic
circumstances, such as one’s husband being convicted of molestation, is an
example the author uses to exemplify the point that crisis is not going to
resolve itself overnight.
Limitations
The author writes, “It used to be
that traumatic events weren’t as common, but that has changed.” Yet, traumas
haven’t increased so much as the coverage and knowledge of them has been made
more known. Decades ago people were less open about the traumas that were
occurring. The media did not heavily publicize violence and people were more private
about such matters. Thus, it seems the
author fails to acknowledge the actual reason for the commonalities of
traumatic events and how they were handled.
Another limitation of the book is the
author’s treatment of the subject relating to confrontation. Prior to mentioning
confrontation the author focuses on counseling skills such as empathy and he relates
these skills to behaviors Jesus exhibited. The author further relates
confrontation to expressing empathy for an individual in helping them to make
better choices. However, the book fails to mention the idea of biblical rebuke
and the right time to use this kind of confrontation. If confrontation is used
too early in the relationship it can damage the minister’s rapport with the
client, but the type of confrontation needed is also an important matter that
should be discussed.
Conclusion
The author uses biblical passages
and verses inter-mixed with counseling skills in order to help ministers
effectively help clients. The authority of a counselor is rooted in God’s Word.
This book encompasses the Christian mission in helping those in the greatest
need in a manner that was similar to Jesus. Moreover, Jesus is demonstrated as
an exemplary figure in helping people. However, the book does provide limited
information on how to confront clients and determining the right timing for
such confrontation.
