I found the Trauma Model very useful in helping people come in touch with their trauma by naming the trauma, processing and integrating their emotions, thoughts and behavior. The reflections are very inspiring and touching.
Sr. Tecla Chepng'eno, FMSJ, Section Manager, International Missionary Benefits Society (IMS), East Africa Section
I was honored to read this copy of the book, You Have Set Us Free: Scriptural Reflections for Trauma Survivors. It makes a profound connection between scripture, the suffering of Jesus, and the pain of trauma survivors. The associated prayers add further meaning and may help survivors find a path for healing and perhaps a way to God. The description of trauma is very helpful for laypersons or professionals working in trauma recovery.
Mary Jane Doerr, Director, Office for the Protection of Children and Youth, Archdiocese of Chicago
I found You Have Set Us Free: Scriptural Reflections for Trauma Survivors to be an excellent compilation of Scripture, reflections and prayer that will be helpful to survivors struggling to find healing. I especially found the explanation of trauma, and how it couples with vulnerability, to be valuable in explaining the many faces of trauma. The prayers are powerful, and the connectivity of the Scripture to the lives and struggles of trauma victims is especially poignant. May God use these reflections to heal the hearts and souls of hurting innocent victims.
Teresa Morris Kettelkamp, Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors
I heartily endorse Father Schmidt's reflection and encourage anyone who has experienced a major traumatic event in their life to see in this book a pathway to unite oneself with the traumatic events of Jesus' suffering, death and resurrection. It was by those saving actions that Jesus was able to free us from the debilitating effects of traumatic, sinful and evil actions in the world. It is my hope and prayer that by a prayerful reading of this book, trauma survivors truly will be set free to live with the joy of Jesus' life within them.
Bishop Paul J. Bradley, Bishop of Kalamazoo
This is a valuable resource not only for professionals trained in this area of human experience but for anyone in a pastoral role who is asked to accompany someone with a great burden of suffering.
The Bible Today
