Spiritual Trauma Care

“Deborah van Deusen Hunsinger’s work is a crucial resource for those providing spiritual care in a world deeply marked by trauma. By bridging theology and psychology, it offers a well-rounded and practical guide for ministers, counselors, and caregivers. Her sensitive and insightful approach equips readers to navigate the complexities of trauma with compassion, theological depth, and psychological understanding, fostering healing within communities. This book is a must-read for anyone dedicated to trauma-informed Christian care.”


—John Swinton, professor in practical theology and pastoral care, King’s College, University of Aberdeen





“America’s best pastoral theologian, Deborah van Deusen Hunsinger, gives us a remarkable book on uniquely Christian care for the traumatized. Van Deusen Hunsinger thinks in an exuberantly, unapologetically theological way about trauma, as if God matters when it comes to living with and through trauma. Her book is not only our most practical, useful guide for pastors and other Christian caregivers, but also our finest example of astute psychological research and insights on trauma in conversation with the finest Christian theology.”


—Will Willimon, professor of the practice of Christian ministry, Duke Divinity School





“This book addresses a great need in the world of pastoral counseling and spiritual care. It brings into dialogue the latest insights from trauma theory and research with deep theological reflection and practical guidance.”


—David C. Wang, Cliff and Joyce Penner Chair for the Formation of Emotionally Healthy Leaders, Fuller Theological Seminary





“This theoretical, clinical, and practical book demonstrates how disciplines can work together, describes how trauma-informed care accesses the all-encompassing love of God, and connects the self-awareness of care-providers to the spiritual care offered. Loving our neighbors as ourselves begins with receiving God's love for oneself. As a chaplain, I hope this book will become a staple for those giving integrated care that is rooted in the expansiveness of God's compassion and I-Thou relationships.”


—Mary Glenn, assistant professor of the practice of chaplaincy and community development, Fuller Theological Seminary, and chaplain, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office





“Wise, compassionate and deeply rooted in the gospel of healing and hope, this book is crucial for a time like ours. Never shying away from the lived experience of traumatic loss since it is ‘at the heart of the Christian imagination,’ Van Deusen Hunsinger roots the work of healing and pastoral care in the gospel and the miraculous grace of the Holy Spirit. There is no saccharine rush past the impact of sorrow and loss, which can be past bearing. At the cross Jesus Christ, the Lord, bears the unbearable, not just alongside us, but for us—taking on himself what cannot be borne by people. The best I have read in this burgeoning field of scholarship.”  


—Richard R. Topping, president and vice-chancellor, professor of studies in the Reformed tradition, Vancouver School of Theology