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I Have PTSD: Reorienting after Trauma
Counselor and trauma expert Curtis Solomon helps those who have suffered the disorienting effects of a traumatic experience to reorient their lives to the path God has for them. Anyone who experiences a traumatic event feels confused, lost, out of control, unsure, and unsteady—disoriented. This kind of suffering leaves marks, sometimes on the body, always on the soul, and sometimes both. In I Have PTSD , Curtis Solomon helps both those who have suffered trauma, as well as their loved ones, to understand the physical, emotional, and spiritual effects of trauma, while offering gospel hope and practical ways to make that hope real in their lives. Trauma can come into our lives through any number of circumstances, but those circumstances do not derail the plans of God nor determine the trajectory for the rest of your life. God can and does utilize the most horrific suffering imaginable to accomplish his great plans for his people.
- GenresCounsellingMental Health
160 pages, Paperback
Published September 4, 2023
19 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 27, 2024
A great, yet succinct resource on counseling those recovering from traumatic experiences. A good primer on the topic.
February 25, 2024
Practical for both those struggling with PTS and those seeking to help them. Christian approach is clear, genuine, and helpful.
December 14, 2024
So so so helpful and practical for how to deal with post traumatic stress. Totally recommend reading alongside a trusted friend, spouse, loved one. There was one chapter in this book that really helped me to see Jesus’ heart in suffering in a completely new light. Such a healing and helpful book.
December 2, 2025
I have PTSD – Reorienting after trauma by Curtis Solomon is a very helpful little book. It is written in three parts covering ten chapters – Part 1: You Are Not Alone. Part 2: Dealing with Your Past. Part 3: Learning to Reorient Your Past, Present, and Future.
As we go through life, all of us suffer from various traumatic experiences. Therefore, everyone would benefit from reading this book. However, as alluded to in its title, the book deals with helping those who suffer from the condition now commonly known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The following are a couple of short quotes that may help you to get a feel for the book:
“[M]any people, especially those in the first responder community, don’t experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder until they quit, retire, or switch career fields … I tell retiring police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and combat veterans to be on the lookout for things to start popping up as they slow down. It is helpful to prepare for change and not be caught off guard with it.” p. 4.
“…God can use your trauma to help others. To get a sense of what I mean, read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 slowly:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our afflictions, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
“Our suffering can be a catalyst that makes us turn to God for comfort, which we don’t tend to seek when everything in life feels just fine. And the comfort that he provides when we go to him doesn’t just help us to cope with a particular moment or situation. Rather, it prepares us to be able to pay it forward when we encounter others who suffer.” p. 114.
The book has a list of helpful resources, a many source endnotes, and a full bibliography.
I Have PTSD constantly points the reader to the God of all comfort while explaining and applying in a remedial way what He says in His Word.
As we go through life, all of us suffer from various traumatic experiences. Therefore, everyone would benefit from reading this book. However, as alluded to in its title, the book deals with helping those who suffer from the condition now commonly known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The following are a couple of short quotes that may help you to get a feel for the book:
“[M]any people, especially those in the first responder community, don’t experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder until they quit, retire, or switch career fields … I tell retiring police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and combat veterans to be on the lookout for things to start popping up as they slow down. It is helpful to prepare for change and not be caught off guard with it.” p. 4.
“…God can use your trauma to help others. To get a sense of what I mean, read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 slowly:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our afflictions, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
“Our suffering can be a catalyst that makes us turn to God for comfort, which we don’t tend to seek when everything in life feels just fine. And the comfort that he provides when we go to him doesn’t just help us to cope with a particular moment or situation. Rather, it prepares us to be able to pay it forward when we encounter others who suffer.” p. 114.
The book has a list of helpful resources, a many source endnotes, and a full bibliography.
I Have PTSD constantly points the reader to the God of all comfort while explaining and applying in a remedial way what He says in His Word.
October 1, 2023
In this short book, Solomon sensitively and carefully unpacks the core issues well, explaining trauma and it’s impact, and then guides the trauma sufferer through a process of reorientation in God’s love and care keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.
He uses three examples throughout of people who have experienced trauma: through accidents, war, and seeing death. Therefore, the focus is on trauma connected to a specific event, not long-term trauma (especially that found in childhood abuse and neglect).
He is clear that you need a team around you. He helps the reader to develop a “peace plan” when triggered - which includes praying, sitting down (for safety), breathing (with instructions), thinking truths about God, and considering who to call. He further explores triggers and how to manage them, including how to face them wisely and in small doses. Transformation structures the final part of the book - how to reorient your past, present and future. There are concepts of CBT in here, as well as general trauma—informed therapy - there are trigger logs and charts to help you process. But all also focus on God, who he is, how he loves us, and how he brings transformation even through awful suffering.
A more detailed review can be found at https://musingsinadelaide.blogspot.co...
He uses three examples throughout of people who have experienced trauma: through accidents, war, and seeing death. Therefore, the focus is on trauma connected to a specific event, not long-term trauma (especially that found in childhood abuse and neglect).
He is clear that you need a team around you. He helps the reader to develop a “peace plan” when triggered - which includes praying, sitting down (for safety), breathing (with instructions), thinking truths about God, and considering who to call. He further explores triggers and how to manage them, including how to face them wisely and in small doses. Transformation structures the final part of the book - how to reorient your past, present and future. There are concepts of CBT in here, as well as general trauma—informed therapy - there are trigger logs and charts to help you process. But all also focus on God, who he is, how he loves us, and how he brings transformation even through awful suffering.
A more detailed review can be found at https://musingsinadelaide.blogspot.co...
February 24, 2024
Solomon's near-comprehensive handbook for PTSD (or, PTS as he refers to it) is excellent. While it is written primarily for those who are struggling with PTSD, this book has a wealth of knowledge and practical advice for anyone counseling a friend/family member/congregant through PTSD. The book's arrangement and structure are indicative of Solomon's philosophy on how to heal from PTSD. Starting from the very basics of realization and moving towards healthy reconciliation, this book is a wonderful tool for anyone's toolbox (whether assisting or personally struggling). What's more, the book contains an abundance of charts, lists, exercises, and resources that all aid in the steering of a counselee toward healing.
Ultimately, Solomon's book seeks to provide guidance to those suffering from PTSD and succeeds on every front. If one is looking for a resource that handles PTSD with grace, practicality, and careful expertise, this is the book they need.
Ultimately, Solomon's book seeks to provide guidance to those suffering from PTSD and succeeds on every front. If one is looking for a resource that handles PTSD with grace, practicality, and careful expertise, this is the book they need.
August 23, 2023
Curtis Solomon does a great job at gently explaining the journey one goes through when experiencing post traumatic stress as a Christ follower. Through vignettes of counselees visited throughout each step of the process, the reader learns how they too can acknowledge their suffering, bring their hurts to the Lord, and grow in the fruits of the spirit. Complete with worksheets, diagrams, and Biblical “I am” statement resources, this book does a great job at understanding the complexity of post traumatic stress as a Christian. I felt seen in this book, and know other counselees will too. This will definitely be a resource I revisit not just in my own life but in those I may mentor or counsel.
July 18, 2024
Beautiful, practical, genuine.
Hard read in that PTSD is HARD and heavy, but the hope that Solomon holds out in Christ for those who suffer and struggle is so beautiful and helpful.
Thankful for this resource. Read if you need some help, read to know how to help, and read for hope in help.
5/5 🌟
1st read for SBTS’s 33477ww - Topics in Missions: Biblical Counseling in Missions with Jeff Neimeyer: 7/13-17/2024
Hard read in that PTSD is HARD and heavy, but the hope that Solomon holds out in Christ for those who suffer and struggle is so beautiful and helpful.
Thankful for this resource. Read if you need some help, read to know how to help, and read for hope in help.
5/5 🌟
1st read for SBTS’s 33477ww - Topics in Missions: Biblical Counseling in Missions with Jeff Neimeyer: 7/13-17/2024
May 24, 2024
It helps me understand Trauma better. Also, glad he mentioned God’s purpose of suffering.
Part 2: Dealing with your past is very helpful and practical, not just for trauma but also for other situations. This part includes peace plan, grief, responsibility, and resiliency.
I’ll definitely re-read it.
Part 2: Dealing with your past is very helpful and practical, not just for trauma but also for other situations. This part includes peace plan, grief, responsibility, and resiliency.
I’ll definitely re-read it.
December 13, 2023
Really a compassionate book from one who has struggled through PTS(D) and so is able to help others. Solomon shows grace and helps provide hope. These are essential for those struggling to overcome their past. Would recommend to any dealing with past trauma.
February 17, 2024
This book is an excellent resource for anyone struggling with Post Traumatic Stress. This book is written to help someone struggling with PTS or for a counselor looking to help someone else. At the end of the book, there are a number of helpful resources as well.
February 26, 2024
This is a very helpful book written for those who are suffering from PTS. It is also a great resource for those who are seeking to walk alongside and counsel others that are struggling with this. Solomon is practical, concise, and caring.
October 10, 2023
I have read many books (secular and religious) on PTSD and this one has been the most helpful.
March 12, 2024
This is just one book in a series about how to help others through difficulties. Each book is on a particular topic.
August 17, 2025
Useful information with a Christian perspective
January 27, 2026
Good. I probably wouldn’t give this one to anyone suffering with Post Traumatic Stress, but I think helpful for the counselor.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews