Certificate in Trauma Counseling in Faith Communities | Shiloh College

Certificate in Trauma Counseling in Faith Communities

Equipping Ministry Leaders with Trauma-Informed Skills for Healing and Restoration.

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“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2

Program Overview

Understanding Trauma in Faith Communities

Who Are Trauma-Impacted Persons? Trauma-impacted individuals are those who have experienced overwhelming events that exceed their ability to cope – domestic violence, childhood abuse, refugee experiences, racism, poverty, medical crises, or community violence. Rather than isolated incidents, trauma often involves ongoing patterns of harm that affect how people relate to God, others, and themselves. This certificate program provides a foundational understanding of these deep-seated wounds.

How Churches Are Affected:

  • Worship disruptions when triggered individuals have emotional responses during services.
  • Leadership burnout from well-meaning but untrained attempts to counsel complex situations.
  • Volunteer reluctance to engage with community outreach due to feeling overwhelmed.
  • Congregation division over how to respond to members with challenging behaviors.
  • Pastoral exhaustion from carrying emotional weight without proper tools or boundaries.
  • Ineffective community ministry that inadvertently re-traumatizes those seeking help.

This 6-week professional development program addresses these gaps by equipping church leaders with trauma-informed skills. Our curriculum is deeply rooted in biblical principles of sanctuary, restoration, and healing ministry, offering a path forward for faith communities to become true places of refuge.

A Christian Trauma Counseling in Faith Communities practitioner talks with a male parishioner in a counseling situation in her office

Program Details

At a Glance

Program Code: TCCFC-01

Program Length: 6 Week intensive format

Total Credits: 30 Credit Hours

Estimated Tuition: $750

Delivery Mode: Online | In-Person | Hybrid

Credential: Certificate

Key Highlights

  • 1.
    Biblically-Grounded Approach: Integrates theological principles with evidence-based trauma care practices.
  • 2.
    Practical Skill Development: Focuses on hands-on tools for immediate implementation in your ministry.
  • 3.
    Collaborative Learning: Build a sustainable support network with peers.

Leadership Recognition Ceremony

$75 per participant

  • Certificate presentation & networking.
  • Implementation resource packet.
  • Peer consultation group formation.

Program Foundation

Built on Jesus’ ministry model with the marginalized, biblical concepts of refuge and restoration, and evidence-based practices for creating psychologically safe environments that promote healing rather than re-traumatization.

What Participants Will Take Away

Practical Skills:

  • Recognition tools for trauma responses.
  • Crisis conversation techniques.
  • Personal wellness strategies.
  • Team training methods for volunteers.
  • Policy development templates.

Resources Developed:

  • Congregation trauma assessment tool.
  • Crisis response protocol.
  • Biblical resource guide for healing.
  • Professional referral directory.
  • Personal leadership wellness covenant.

Enhanced Capacity:

  • Increased pastoral confidence.
  • Improved volunteer effectiveness.
  • Better community outreach.
  • Reduced leader stress.
  • Stronger sense of safety.

Please note: Individual outcomes depend on personal commitment to implementing learned practices. This program provides tools and knowledge; transformation requires consistent application and organizational support.

Application Process

  1. Brief application including current ministry role and learning objectives.
  2. Consultation call to ensure program alignment with your church’s theological perspective and needs.
  3. Registration and pre-program assessment completion.

Resource Development Commitment:

Participants will collaborate in developing a comprehensive resource library. This shared effort fosters a community of practice and includes:

  • Trauma-informed ministry best practices directory.
  • Faith-based crisis intervention quick reference guides.
  • Community partnership templates for professional referrals.
  • Ongoing peer consultation group guidelines.

This collective resource development ensures sustainable support beyond the program completion, empowering every leader in our Certificate in Trauma Counseling in Faith Communities.

Become an Agent of Healing

Are you ready to transform your ministry into a true sanctuary for the hurting? This Certificate in Trauma Counseling in Faith Communities is more than a program—it’s a calling to build a more compassionate, resilient, and restorative church. Take the first step toward becoming a more effective agent of healing..

Download and fill out the application form from the link below and send it to: registrar@shilohcollege.com

Access Application Form

Shiloh College Admissions Office: registrar@shilohcollege.com Website: www.shilohcollege.com

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