Bearing the Unbearable: Trauma, Gospel, and Pastoral Care

Pastoral theologian Hunsinger (Healing Wisdom: Depth Psychology and the Pastoral Ministry) takes on the tough question faced by responders to trauma experienced by others: how can those responders best care for trauma victims and attend to their own reactions to what they witness in the course of their work? Her answer is uniquely Christian: the suffering and death of Jesus Christ "saves us from... the terror and trauma of suffering and death." How the Christian gospel specifically speaks to trauma and provides succor and healing is something Hunsinger unfolds systematically, looking closely at the Christian practices of forgiveness and lament. Another key technique for clinicians in trauma situations is nonviolent communication, a practice that can nurture both empathy and self-empathy. Hunsinger also examines ways in which the relatively new field of restorative practices can aid congregations or groups that have suffered distress. Hunsinger's thoughtful exploration of a fundamental issue faced by all who witness suffering as they work will be useful to pastoral care professionals. (June)