“There were many practical and theoretical suggestions that are very relevant for our colleagues in pastoral care”. This quote from a participant at the Trauma and Pastoral Care Symposium describes the success of our event on 10 March in Augsburg.
Around 40 participants came together to discuss the opportunities and challenges of trauma-sensitive pastoral care. The program included three keynote addresses. Martina Bock, CEO of Wings of Hope, gave a brief and concise explanation of what trauma is, how it occurs, and what its consequences can be. Dr. Andreas Stahl, who holds a doctorate in theology and is a pastor, impressively demonstrated in his lecture how important it is to deal with the effects of trauma in theological discourse. What image of God do I have as a pastor, and how do I deal with the concepts of trust and forgiveness in a trauma-sensitive way in pastoral care? These are important questions that theology should ask itself and that it can learn from accompanying those affected. In her presentation, Maria Johanna Fath gave tips and suggestions on what trauma-sensitive pastoral care can look like in practice. In workshops, we dealt with stabilization techniques in pastoral counseling, trauma and grief, and the healing power of biblical images and stories.
As is so often the case at such symposia, the collegial exchange between the various professional groups in pastoral care is very stimulating and enriching in addition to the content-related input. Hospital and emergency chaplains, parish priests and those working in with the elderly and youth work came together for an interdisciplinary exchange.
We are very satisfied with the results of this symposium. As an Evangelical foundation with a focus on trauma care, the topic of trauma-sensitive pastoral care is very close to our hearts. That is why we are launching the second round of our trauma and pastoral care training series in June 2023.
