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Trauma Aware: A Christian's Guide to Providing Help and Care
Hope and Healing for Trauma Sufferers and Supportive Helpers
Trauma is a pervasive problem, and many people feel ill-equipped to respond. What is trauma? And how do we offer help that is biblically faithful and empathetic?
Licensed and trauma-trained counselor Eliza Huie equips you with biblical foundations and clinical insights to help you better understand trauma and offer care to those suffering from its debilitating effects. Trauma can entangle the soul, freeze the body, and cloud the mind. In the face of this struggle, Trauma Aware emerges as an essential resource. Compassionate and informative, this practical book demystifies trauma, helping you to
understand the essential connections between brain, body, and soul promote healing through useful assessments and practical tools improve care for others with proven strategies that lead to growth and change
Whether you’ve personally experienced trauma or desire to help those who have, Trauma Aware serves as an accessible guide that will provide you with practical direction on a path to recovery.
Trauma is a pervasive problem, and many people feel ill-equipped to respond. What is trauma? And how do we offer help that is biblically faithful and empathetic?
Licensed and trauma-trained counselor Eliza Huie equips you with biblical foundations and clinical insights to help you better understand trauma and offer care to those suffering from its debilitating effects. Trauma can entangle the soul, freeze the body, and cloud the mind. In the face of this struggle, Trauma Aware emerges as an essential resource. Compassionate and informative, this practical book demystifies trauma, helping you to
understand the essential connections between brain, body, and soul promote healing through useful assessments and practical tools improve care for others with proven strategies that lead to growth and change
Whether you’ve personally experienced trauma or desire to help those who have, Trauma Aware serves as an accessible guide that will provide you with practical direction on a path to recovery.
336 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2025
26 people are currently reading
3808 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 3, 2025
This is an excellent resource for those who desire to learn how to walk alongside someone who has experienced trauma. You will find biblical wisdom, practical interventions, helpful strategies, and compassionate counsel to better equip you to be a conduit of care for those who are suffering. I wholeheartedly recommend.
April 9, 2025
It's been a while since I've read a book that felt like a true balm to my soul. This book was that for many reasons. I'm extremely disappointed that it doesn't seem to have a lot of reach yet.
I got this book the day it released after having read "The Whole Life" and wanting to read more works by Eliza Huie. It began impacting me from day one. I was crying by the "Letter to Sufferers" near the beginning. The compassion and depth of knowledge over the topic of trauma feels unmatched against anything I've read on the topic from a christian worldview. I love how she says she hopes this book is a springboard for other books. There were a few times that I thought that an idea she presented could have been a whole book in itself.
Why was it so good?
1. I've experienced a lot of the hurtful ways that Christians have handled trauma. I've even been trained in them. I've also spent a lot of time recognizing and hearing stories from people who have been hurt even more by Christians. I've experienced the "shut down" that inevitably happens with "take two verses and call me in the morning" or the "lack of trust in God" shaming that often takes place in counseling. This book talks against that. She regularly warns helpers to be careful, to "check in" and ask good questions so the person they are helping isn't overwhelmed with things that aren't going to help them in the moment. I'm grateful that this isn't another condemnation against "secular models" but a consideration of Christian liberty and how even better development can come from ideas boosted with biblical framework and worldviews. It gives me some hope for the biblical counseling world.
2. It does a really good job explaining the crazy intricacies of how the brain works without getting overly clinical in terminology. This makes it so accessible to anyone.
3. It gives the helper a really good representation on what is likely going on inside the person who is struggling, mentally, physically and spiritially. This is especially helpful when the struggler often can't find the words to explain what they are experiencing. It felt like someone hired the best spokesperson on behalf of all the hurting people to go and talk to others about how to help. She understands well and is incredibly compassionate.
4. On a very personal level, this book often brought me tears of appreciation for the people I currently have in my life who are very aligned to the things written here. It took me 10 years to find someone who was really willing to listen to my story and know me. I recognized them throughout this book in how they have cared for me. I do not want to ever take that gift for granted and this book illuminated it for me.
Extra note:
The only area I wished for more info was on the topic of spiritual trauma and how that can impact how someone hears scripture and is counseled through it. However she DID mention it briefly and often warned about being careful with applying the Bible, so I'm grateful for those portions having some presence. This still feels like somewhat unchartered territory that might still be in development in the counseling world. I would love to read more about help for someone who has been traumatized WITH the Bible while experiencing additonal trauma and is hanging onto faith by a thread. Where the Bible itself is a trigger and viewed through particular lenses that cause anxiety and such. BUT, that's a more specific topic. Maybe this is just a itty bitty hope for something like that to springboard from this book. 😅
This book will definitely be in my top most impactful reads list this year.
I got this book the day it released after having read "The Whole Life" and wanting to read more works by Eliza Huie. It began impacting me from day one. I was crying by the "Letter to Sufferers" near the beginning. The compassion and depth of knowledge over the topic of trauma feels unmatched against anything I've read on the topic from a christian worldview. I love how she says she hopes this book is a springboard for other books. There were a few times that I thought that an idea she presented could have been a whole book in itself.
Why was it so good?
1. I've experienced a lot of the hurtful ways that Christians have handled trauma. I've even been trained in them. I've also spent a lot of time recognizing and hearing stories from people who have been hurt even more by Christians. I've experienced the "shut down" that inevitably happens with "take two verses and call me in the morning" or the "lack of trust in God" shaming that often takes place in counseling. This book talks against that. She regularly warns helpers to be careful, to "check in" and ask good questions so the person they are helping isn't overwhelmed with things that aren't going to help them in the moment. I'm grateful that this isn't another condemnation against "secular models" but a consideration of Christian liberty and how even better development can come from ideas boosted with biblical framework and worldviews. It gives me some hope for the biblical counseling world.
2. It does a really good job explaining the crazy intricacies of how the brain works without getting overly clinical in terminology. This makes it so accessible to anyone.
3. It gives the helper a really good representation on what is likely going on inside the person who is struggling, mentally, physically and spiritially. This is especially helpful when the struggler often can't find the words to explain what they are experiencing. It felt like someone hired the best spokesperson on behalf of all the hurting people to go and talk to others about how to help. She understands well and is incredibly compassionate.
4. On a very personal level, this book often brought me tears of appreciation for the people I currently have in my life who are very aligned to the things written here. It took me 10 years to find someone who was really willing to listen to my story and know me. I recognized them throughout this book in how they have cared for me. I do not want to ever take that gift for granted and this book illuminated it for me.
Extra note:
The only area I wished for more info was on the topic of spiritual trauma and how that can impact how someone hears scripture and is counseled through it. However she DID mention it briefly and often warned about being careful with applying the Bible, so I'm grateful for those portions having some presence. This still feels like somewhat unchartered territory that might still be in development in the counseling world. I would love to read more about help for someone who has been traumatized WITH the Bible while experiencing additonal trauma and is hanging onto faith by a thread. Where the Bible itself is a trigger and viewed through particular lenses that cause anxiety and such. BUT, that's a more specific topic. Maybe this is just a itty bitty hope for something like that to springboard from this book. 😅
This book will definitely be in my top most impactful reads list this year.
July 11, 2025
The best book on trauma I have ever read. Eliza is a voice I respect and value greatly. Grateful for her sensitivity for hurting people and whole personed perspective that is saturated in gospel relevance and hope. This was incredibly educational and practical. Will be referencing this resource often!
March 8, 2025
Such an incredible book that I would encourage any believer to read. While this was written to equip believers to walk alongside brothers or sisters who have experienced trauma, it is also infused with truths that would encourage anyone who has encountered trauma themselves.
“This means that while they would recount the painful reality of their past circumstances, they would also remember that God was working to help them, free them, protect them, and redeem them. God was faithful even through the most painful trials. That was the truth they were to remember: God was working, and he would be faithful. This is the truth we must help others apply. When we remember truthfully, we remember more fully.” -Eliza Huie
“This means that while they would recount the painful reality of their past circumstances, they would also remember that God was working to help them, free them, protect them, and redeem them. God was faithful even through the most painful trials. That was the truth they were to remember: God was working, and he would be faithful. This is the truth we must help others apply. When we remember truthfully, we remember more fully.” -Eliza Huie
February 24, 2025
AMAZINGLY helpful resource for any non-clinician who is wanting to learn more about how to support someone after experiencing trauma. It has both some more pastoral/theological/spiritual guidings AND supports the clinical needs that those who experienced trauma also need. Open minded and acknowledges the reality of trauma's impact on people in a spiritual and clinical way that is easy for Christian caregivers to understand. WELL DONE!!!!
February 9, 2025
Trauma Aware is a needed resource for anyone who works in the church or has someone in their lives who has experienced trauma as well as those whose lives have been touched by trauma. Eliza's book guides the reader through every aspect of trauma--from what's happening inside their body to what the Bible has to say about it. Highly recommend this book!
February 24, 2025
Everyone either has experienced, knows someone who has, or will know someone who has experienced trauma. This book explains how to be cognizant of someone's trauma and how support them through a biblical perspective. It is a great attribute to be more aware of peoples' experiences and learn how to help, so I highly recommend this book!
February 4, 2025
This review contains affiliate links.
I received Trauma Aware compliments of Harvest House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Trauma Aware is the latest title by author, licensed professional counselor (LPC), and biblical counselor, Eliza Huie. This book is an incredibly helpful resource and I strongly believe all Christians will benefit from reading it.
Trauma seems to be a common buzzword that is growing in popularity so I appreciate that the book begins by defining it and providing some examples of what it could look like.
I originally wanted to read this book to grow as a lay minister and to be able to care for people in a more comprehensive manner. While I certainly believe Trauma Aware equipped me in that way, I also found it helpful for processing my own traumatic experiences as well.
It was so fascinating to learn about the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and how God designed our bodies with built in protection mechanisms. I found it helpful to learn how trauma impacts the body and since the body and spirit cannot be separated, how it impacts the spirit as well.
Well meaning Christians can often seek to help those with trauma by slapping Bible verses on their pain. While there is certainly a time and place to minister with God’s word, Trauma Aware helps readers learn that it is often helpful to address underlying concerns and conditions with counselees before treating those things as solely spiritual matters.
Trauma Aware is written with an incredibly gentle and compassionate tone making readers want to benefit from the wisdom and experience Eliza offers in its pages. The appendices alone are worth the price of the book!
I appreciate that Eliza is an LPC and a biblical counselor. Many Christians seem to view these fields as mutually exclusive. Having a degree in psychology myself, I see how the study of the brain and the structure of the body points to the existence of God and reveals His tender care of creation. While some may feel that being or becoming trauma aware is antithetical to biblical principles, this book does a lovely job of showing that doing so is one way to live them out. This book does a lovely job of highlighting aspects of psychology that are helpful and simultaneously recognizes the authority of God’s word and its role in counseling those experiencing trauma.
If you are working through personal trauma and/or want to care for others who are hoping to heal from it, I HIGHLY recommend Trauma Aware .
I received Trauma Aware compliments of Harvest House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Trauma Aware is the latest title by author, licensed professional counselor (LPC), and biblical counselor, Eliza Huie. This book is an incredibly helpful resource and I strongly believe all Christians will benefit from reading it.
Trauma seems to be a common buzzword that is growing in popularity so I appreciate that the book begins by defining it and providing some examples of what it could look like.
I originally wanted to read this book to grow as a lay minister and to be able to care for people in a more comprehensive manner. While I certainly believe Trauma Aware equipped me in that way, I also found it helpful for processing my own traumatic experiences as well.
It was so fascinating to learn about the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and how God designed our bodies with built in protection mechanisms. I found it helpful to learn how trauma impacts the body and since the body and spirit cannot be separated, how it impacts the spirit as well.
Well meaning Christians can often seek to help those with trauma by slapping Bible verses on their pain. While there is certainly a time and place to minister with God’s word, Trauma Aware helps readers learn that it is often helpful to address underlying concerns and conditions with counselees before treating those things as solely spiritual matters.
Trauma Aware is written with an incredibly gentle and compassionate tone making readers want to benefit from the wisdom and experience Eliza offers in its pages. The appendices alone are worth the price of the book!
I appreciate that Eliza is an LPC and a biblical counselor. Many Christians seem to view these fields as mutually exclusive. Having a degree in psychology myself, I see how the study of the brain and the structure of the body points to the existence of God and reveals His tender care of creation. While some may feel that being or becoming trauma aware is antithetical to biblical principles, this book does a lovely job of showing that doing so is one way to live them out. This book does a lovely job of highlighting aspects of psychology that are helpful and simultaneously recognizes the authority of God’s word and its role in counseling those experiencing trauma.
If you are working through personal trauma and/or want to care for others who are hoping to heal from it, I HIGHLY recommend Trauma Aware .
June 19, 2025
Excellent book by Eliza Huie that should be required reading for those in ministry. Eliza briefly explains from a biological standpoint what is happening in the brain and body during and post trauma, but doesn’t overwhelm the reader with scientific language. She speaks compassionately into how the heart of sufferers needs both the hope of the gospel and the care of Christian communities (while also recommending therapy/ counseling for those who need it).
The tools at the end of the book (ACE assessment, Burnout Assessment, Breath Prayers, etc) give the reader practical ways to address a variety of situations.
Huie’s competence and compassionate heart that desires to follow Jesus in binding up the wounds of the heartbroken encourages me that Jesus is still doing his good work in the Church.
I borrowed my copy from the library, but it is such an excellent resource that I will be purchasing my own copy to be able to reference whenever I need it.
The tools at the end of the book (ACE assessment, Burnout Assessment, Breath Prayers, etc) give the reader practical ways to address a variety of situations.
Huie’s competence and compassionate heart that desires to follow Jesus in binding up the wounds of the heartbroken encourages me that Jesus is still doing his good work in the Church.
I borrowed my copy from the library, but it is such an excellent resource that I will be purchasing my own copy to be able to reference whenever I need it.
September 2, 2025
-The church needs to acknowledge failures, speak them out loud and strive for change with humility & compassion.
-The church is a community of imperfect people relying on a perfect God.
-Church hurt is real and pushing away those who truly need help. The church needs to be trauma aware and open to peoples poor experiences they may have had.
Ways to help make the church more trauma safe:
1- speak of human suffering
2- affirm Gods presence amid suffering
3- remind people that restoration and redemption are assured
4- encourage people towards compassionate action
-The church is a community of imperfect people relying on a perfect God.
-Church hurt is real and pushing away those who truly need help. The church needs to be trauma aware and open to peoples poor experiences they may have had.
Ways to help make the church more trauma safe:
1- speak of human suffering
2- affirm Gods presence amid suffering
3- remind people that restoration and redemption are assured
4- encourage people towards compassionate action
August 7, 2025
This year, I’ve been familiarizing myself with approaches to trauma in the biblical counseling world. About 20% of the book emphasizes a mental health model (include mental health professionals when it’s over your head, mental health as a key category, certain exercises that teach one to find healing in doing body scans, aromatherapy, etc.). Granted, she uses a lot of Scripture. Although, even then, found herself citing Scripture as further evidence of previous findings in psychology.
April 29, 2025
Very helpful book that addresses us as embodied souls and how trauma impacts both. It combines biblical truth and what we've learned from clinical research on trauma. Hopeful and compassionate with practical tools to help.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews