Page 127 - Advanced Biblical Counseling Student Textbook

“Developmental trauma occurs early in life and
disrupts normal sequences of brain development. As a
result, other aspects of development such as emotional,
physical, cognitive, and social are also impacted. In the
first years of life, the brain develops from the bottom
upwards. Lower parts of the brain are responsible for
functions dedicated to ensuring survival and responding
to stress. Upper parts of the brain are responsible for
executive functions, like making sense of what you are
experiencing or exercising moral judgement.” 193 (photo:
sciencedaily.com)

“Development of the upper parts depends upon prior development of lower parts. In other words, the
brain is meant to develop like a ladder, from the bottom-up. So, when stress responses (typically due to
persistent neglect or abuse) are repeatedly activated over an extended period in an infant or toddler or
young child, sequential development of the brain is disturbed. The ladder develops, but foundational
steps are missing and many things that follow are out of kilter.” 194 Look at the chart on the following
page to see how trauma can impact a child.

“Trauma takes things away from us and some can’t be returned, ever. For some survivors, the losses are
physical, and tangible, such as people we loved or a body that once functioned perfectly. For others, the
losses are emotional or intangible, such as a sense of uncomplicated wholeness, pristine memories of
beloved times and places. Either way, coming to terms with irreversible loss is an essential part of the
trauma integration process.” 195

As you learn more about trauma, it is important to remember the LORD your God goes with you; he will
never leave you nor forsake you (Deut. 31:6). Read the following excerpt from an article by Christian
therapist Krista Lambert titled “Troubling Trauma and Anxiety”:

“Spiritual Responses
We all long for peace and joy. We don’t like difficulty, tension, or sadness. We love the Resurrection,
but we don’t like to linger too long on Good Friday. The trouble is, suffering is a real part of the broken
world we live in. The 23rd Psalm with its green pastures and quiet waters follows the 22nd, which
begins, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from
my cries of anguish?” And yet, how do we fully understand the real meaning and joy of Resurrection
Sunday without fully understanding the weight, the suffering, and the grief of Good Friday? Scripture,
particularly the Old Testament, is full of stories of trauma. We don’t tend to dwell on those. We prefer
the verses that make us feel calm and happy. However, we can learn key lessons about facing our
trauma and the anxiety that it causes from these stories.

193 Ibid.
194 Ibid.
195 Ibid.

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