Trauma, Self-image, and Spiritual Formation: How Trauma Impacts How We See Ourselves and God (Without CE’s) Tuesday, March 12, 2024

*Note: This Webinar is not approved for CE credit. 

Trauma, Self-image, and Spiritual Formation: How Trauma Impacts How We See Ourselves and God 

Tuesday, March 12, 2024 

6:00 – 8:00 PM ET 

Webinar Presenter 

Byron Kehler, M.S. is a Trauma Therapist in private practice in Milwaukie, Oregon. He has worked with survivors of physical, sexual, emotional, mental, and spiritual abuse for over 40 years. Byron has been certified by the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and is certified in EMDR with a specialization in Dissociative Disorders. Byron has presented on various childhood trauma recovery themes around the country at churches, social services agencies, public and private schools, colleges, universities, and professional conferences. He has provided humanitarian relief services for natural disasters in Asia after the tsunami and the gulf coast post-hurricane Katrina, training therapists in trauma recovery.  He is the author and developer of Story-Informed Trauma Therapy (SITT), for recovery from early childhood trauma.  This evidence-based model has been taught to mental health therapists in agencies in New Orleans and the gulf coast following Hurricane Katrina and has been proven effective in improving the lives of trauma survivors. In addition to understanding the impact of sexual abuse on the survivor, Byron is familiar with the motivations and thinking of offenders. He has worked with the Morrison Center’s juvenile sexual offender program in Portland, Oregon for over 25 years teaching victim empathy awareness to offenders. He is the producer and director of a documentary called Speak Out which contains candid interviews with offenders and survivors brought together to talk about the abuse experience. This documentary is currently being used in a number of offender treatment programs around the country. 

Abstract 

Two of the most damaging aftereffects of adverse childhood experiences are their impact on how clients see themselves and how they experience God if they are Christians. This is of particular concern for licensed mental health professionals and ministry leaders working within the faith community. A healthy and accurate self-image is essential to people’s mental health and happiness. For Christian clients, a genuine and meaningful relationship with God is one of the greatest soul longings. Unfortunately, childhood trauma compromises their self-image and intimacy with God, creating profound distortions of both self and God. This workshop will explore the impact of childhood trauma on one’s relationship with themselves and God, with suggestions on how licensed mental health professionals can address this important aspect of clients’ lives in the therapeutic environment and practical application for those serving in faith communities. 

Learning Objectives 

Participants will: 

1. Discuss how unresolved trauma negatively impacts self-concept and how to lead clients into a healthier self-perception 
2. Describe how unresolved trauma and hurtful childhood experiences influence spiritual formation and development and how licensed mental health professionals can address this effectively within the therapeutic milieu with Christian clients  
3. Identify what the church community can do to be trauma-informed and create greater safety for those struggling with their relationships with God due to past childhood trauma 

Continuing Education 

Approved for CE Credits 

The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) offers some psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers, and play therapists Continuing Education (CE) credit due to good standing with certain states and a limited number of professional organizations. It remains the responsibility of each participant to be aware of state licensure and CE requirements. Participants should check their state and/or local regulations regarding required Continuing Education hours. For more information on Light University Continuing Education programs, please visit https://www.lightuniversity.com/continuing-education-statements/.  

*Webinars MUST be watched LIVE to receive CE Credit.