The Good Shepherds Assistant

I'm a trauma therapist working with extreme kinds of trauma: suicide of a child/spouse, death out of order, murder victim's survivors. Long term SA etc. If you're reading this and you can't afford therapy this post is meant for you. I've been in intense personal pain through the last 4-5 months and I want to share with you, what I've seen help my clients and myself. 1. If you have to compartmentalize so you can work, block out time to grieve. This is now part of your job. Aim for 4 hours minimum for this grief period. If you feel numb and/or dissociative, lie down, close your eyes, and listen to the psalms (I like the Dwell app). Allow yourself to feel, not feel, drift, focus, listen to the psalms, talk to God, breathe. Cry, don't cry. Notice your feelings. 2. Make it a priority to get enough sleep. If your anxiety/pain/fear is keeping you awake: Listen to the psalms on low volume and pray to God. Just keep talking to Him. He's there with you. Pray until you fall asleep. If you're still struggling to fall asleep, give yourself time to wind down before bed Try to schedule meals so you don't go to bed feeling starving or stuffed full 3. Prioritize time with God, the Healer While thinking about the goodness of God, journal for ten minutes every day, whether you want to or not (research supports this being helpful) If you're able, spend ten minutes every day meditating: focusing all of your attention on Jesus. Try to imagine Him. Drift with thoughts about how it will feel when you see Him face to face. Immerse yourself in His love 4. Give yourself time. Try not to 'hurry up and move on'. You need time to heal. No pressure. Just give yourself time. Accept that you can be in pain during this season and God is with you right in the middle of it with you. 5. Try not to isolate but allow yourself alone time when you need it. This was on my heart today, as I'm dealing with my own pain, and working with clients who are suffering. Take the parts that work for you, and take it one step at a time. I'm talking to you not as a therapist, but as a fellow sufferer. This post is not meant as therapy, or meant to replace therapy. If you can find a good trauma therapist you can afford, I recommend finding someone you trust and talk with them. God bless you, and remember that this, too, will pass. With love, Ronda