Christian Psychology and Trauma Recovery Efforts

Trauma is a hot topic these days. We live in a world where we are aware of terrible traumas happening around the globe in real time. We hear and see tsunamis unfolding, towns being flooded when dikes are breached, mass shootings, bodies strewn about due to ethnic conflict, houses destroyed by errant bombs, and gender violence in almost every corner of the world. While humanitarian efforts to respond to the physical needs of those in trouble are not new, there is a recent push to have charity workers become “trauma informed” so they can also address spiritual and psychological distress.   

Working Out a Distinctly Christian Psychology in South Korea

After finishing my undergraduate study in South Korea in 1997, I went to Hamilton, Ontario to continue studying Christian Education. Then my academic journey turned in the direction of counseling, which led me to the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. At SBTS, I was introduced to Christian psychology by Dr. Eric Johnson and I received my Ph.D in pastoral theology and counseling. Upon graduating, I worked at a Christian counseling center for three years as a professional counselor.  In September 2010, I returned to Korea after many years of life overseas with the ambitious visions of helping troubled Korean souls and building an academic community with the same mind as that of the Society of Christian Psychology. I have been experiencing both challenges and joys as I pursue those visions. I would like to share a couple of them.