Rebuilding Trust and Relationships After SRA
Hello! Praise Jesus, our savior and Redeemer. My name is Pastor Sarah Tomlinson, and I’m excited that you’re visiting our blog. These are short synopses of our hour-long live services condensed into 15–20 minutes for your convenience. They also contain extra revelations that we couldn’t cover in the live sessions.
We are firm believers in the power and love of God at Healing the Brokenhearted Christian Counseling. We trust that all challenges and obstacles you face are opportunities for Him to manifest Himself greatly in your life. Our aim is to lead you through such moments armed with nothing else but God’s word which contains wisdom about everything therefore giving you spiritual support and motivation as well. It should be known that Jesus makes everything possible so lean on His grace whenever necessary along this journey where we anticipate much from him in line with what he has promised us being mindful too!
Now here’s some good news! I want to challenge you to put all your faith on Jesus as we pray for miracles in our lives together. My desire is that what we teach from the Word today will change your life forever and draw you closer to Him.
During the previous month, we focused on what we called "Getting through each day after leaving an SRA cult." We explored ways of dealing with common problems faced by ex-occult survivors in their everyday lives. We emphasized the importance of establishing regular patterns to make life feel normal again. Additionally, we discussed the necessity of creating emotional shields through healthy self-protection mechanisms and highlighted how self-care can lead to healing and recovery from traumatic events. By embracing these methods, individuals may begin to feel supported by others, aiding in their healing process and helping them gain strength for a brighter future.
This blog covers our Wednesday Night Service from June 19, 2024. The topic of this blog is "Rebuilding Trust and Relationships After Satanic Ritual Abuse."
Acknowledging and Understanding Trauma
The healing process after Satanic Ritual Abuse (SRA) is about restoring trust and relationships. It integrates biblical teachings with sound therapeutic methods that touch on spiritual and psychological aspects of recovery.
The very first thing to do in order to rebuild trust is acknowledging and understanding how deeply the trauma has affected you. Survivors often feel abandoned, terrified, suspicious of others, and unable to make or fix healthy relationships. They may recall Psalm 34:18 that says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,” which can serve as a reminder for them that God is close by, ready to heal their hearts.
Following this recognition comes creating a safe environment that supports survivors as they work through their emotions without being judged or harmed further. Trust may be restored little by little through consistent displays of empathy combined with reliability within such a setting. Prayer, scripture reading accompanied by faith-based assistance like 1 Peter 5:7 (“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you”) could greatly help them achieve this.
What’s more beneficial also for these individuals would be learning healthy boundaries while figuring out how trustworthy people behave versus those who are not worth trusting again later in life. Such knowledge equips one with necessary skills that will safeguard against future injuries, thereby providing some level of control over personal safety too. Christian counseling can, therefore, teach survivors these limits using Proverbs 4:23, which advises “Above all else, guard your heart diligently.” Nonetheless, rebuilding trust does not follow a straight line but rather twists and turns, so survivors should just remain patient, putting their faith into practice, and seeking guidance from professionals until they finally find themselves restored back into wholesome inter-personal connections once more.
Embracing God's Healing
Survivors can find help in biblical counseling that stresses the need to confront pain and seek God’s comfort. Isaiah 61:1 says, “He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” It highlights hope and deliverance in divine healing. A faith-based approach of this kind enables victims to recognize their suffering on one hand and rely on God’s promises of bringing back everything into order as well as peace on the other hand while dealing with their trauma.
Furthermore still, survivors are also supported by biblical counseling to establish personal relationships with God; these relationships can serve as great sources of mental strength and consolation. A prayerful life coupled with reading scriptures, among other faith-based supports, helps them know that God loves them unconditionally even when it feels like nobody cares about them anymore or what they have gone through is beyond redemption. They may, therefore, freely express their deepest fears before Him, knowing that He listens attentively. Thus, this not only brings relief but also aids in building trust again, which is necessary for emotional wellbeing during recovery periods such as this.
Additionally, incorporating spiritual truths into therapy sessions enables clients to re-orient themselves towards new identities based upon who they truly are according to what God says concerning humanity. They should view themselves not just as victims but rather as beloved sons and daughters destined for greatness, even in spite of past mistakes or failures. In line with this, Jeremiah 29:11 offers assurance, saying, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” When they embrace such heavenly views, then it becomes easier to let go of negative impacts associated with traumatic events, thereby finding purpose afresh while moving forward filled with faith-backed resilience.
Setting Boundaries and Recognizing Worth
Starting new, sound relationships is done by setting boundaries and realizing our value in Christ. Ephesians 4:32 encourages us, “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” This verse shows us that kindness, compassion, and forgiveness are the basic steps in building any relationship. Establishing clear and healthy boundaries is necessary for keeping emotional health intact as well as ensuring personal safety. It enables people to protect themselves from being hurt while creating a space where respect can grow reciprocally. Recognizing warning signs early on in a relationship helps prevent retraumatization while promoting safe individuals.
In order to set up good limits with others, we must learn how to express what we need assertively but without aggressiveness; it is also important to know unacceptable behaviors so that these rules can be applied consistently whenever they are violated. Another thing we should do when setting up healthy boundaries is being watchful of unhealthy patterns like manipulation, disrespect, or control freak nature among others. Survivors who are able to develop confidence around their worth as children of God find trusting people easier than before because they now understand that not everyone deserves trust. Therefore, such persons need relationships which are based on biblical teachings combined with practical advice to help them form connections where love flourishes continuously, thereby leading to more healing and growth opportunities.
Cognitive Restructuring
Cognitive restructuring is often used in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people challenge and replace negative thoughts which contribute to emotional distress. It means detecting pessimistic thinking patterns, assessing their truthfulness, and replacing them with positive ones. In biblical counseling for SRA survivors, cognitive restructuring can be combined with scriptural affirmations for psychological as well as spiritual healing. This way not only corrects the cognitive distortions but also strengthens the survivor’s faith in God’s word, hence enhancing recovery.
For example, those who feel worthless may be encouraged to replace such thoughts by using affirmations from Psalm 139:14 that say, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” By continuously reminding themselves about this fact, they will start feeling valuable internally, with divine love filling their hearts. This verse acts as a consistent reminder concerning our intrinsic worth before God, alongside His unconditional love towards us. Hence, integrating cognitive restructuring with biblical truths helps individuals see themselves differently, thus promoting better mental health during the recovery process after traumatic experiences like satanic ritual abuse (SRA).
Forgiveness and Wise Discernment
Rebuilding destroyed relationships involves forgiving and being able to tell what is good from bad. According to Colossians 3:13, “tolerate one another and forgive anyone if you have a complaint against someone else. You should forgive in the same way that the Lord forgave you.” This verse points out that pardon is a fundamental aspect of fixing a broken relationship. Forgiveness does not only mean that you forget about what happened but it also entails making a deliberate choice to let go of all ill feelings towards the other party involved or showing them love as if nothing ever occurred between both of you. It is important for people to understand this process so they can move past their pain, which creates an environment whereby people can make up with each other again and trust one another more than before.
It is true that forgiveness has various stages, namely: admitting the offense, deciding on pardoning, and offering self-forgiveness plus forgiving others too. These steps may become difficult, especially when one has deep-rooted grudges coupled with resentment and rage. The word of God-centered therapy gives practical ways through which individuals should handle such emotions like supplication, reflecting upon scriptures, or seeking solace within religious societies among others. By confronting these negative emotions using biblical methods, persons are able to cleanse themselves internally, thus paving the way for emotional healing as well as better relationships. Having in mind forgiveness based on Colossians 3:13 enables survivors to overcome their past hurts, thus leading them into renewed connections alongside spiritual growth.
Narrative Therapy
The aim of narrative therapy is to enable individuals to rewrite their life stories. As far as victims of maltreatment are concerned, this type of treatment works by changing their interpretation of what they have gone through in order to bring out their strengths, resilience, and hope. In fact, sometimes survivors need to look at their lives from a different angle, such as faith or biblical motivational tales, which can make them see things in a whole new light that gives them back control over themselves again. For instance, Joseph’s story, who was sold into slavery by his own brothers but later became one of the most powerful men in Egypt, is very good at showing how people can overcome adversity and find redemption.
By doing this, you capture it all. Instead of telling your story differently so that it falls back under your control, this shift of view helps survivors take back ownership over their own lives, thus re-establishing authority about themselves. When they reflect on spiritual aspects like faith, endurance, or divine will, these individuals start discovering reasons behind everything happening, along with getting motivated by such ideas throughout the journey towards healing. They should recognize every positive side within those accounts that paves the way for empowerment as well as cure while going through narrative therapy. What this means is that emotional recuperation becomes easier during this process than any other time before, hence there is no doubt that new expectations get created leading into stronger bouncing forward abilities among survivors.
Leaning on the Strength of God and Engaging in Supportive Faith Communities
One thing that can also help survivors learn how to trust once more is leaning on God; a Bible verse even states this - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). What happens when we do this is that everything becomes clearer and easier for us. These new relationships may be created by them or restored from among those which were broken during their pasts if they only have enough faith.
Another key element towards rebuilding trust comes through being part of supportive religious communities. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Directions should be given about building networks of support within faith communities where there could be accountability partners thus providing steps for creating an environment that is both safe and supportive according to specific needs expressed by survivors.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is designed to help people who have been through trauma by using structured methods like relaxation training, building coping skills, and gradually facing traumatic memories. TF-CBT teaches survivors how to handle their distressing feelings and thoughts with effective strategies. Relaxation training includes techniques like deep breathing and muscle relaxation to reduce anxiety. Coping skills development helps survivors learn how to control their emotions and solve problems better. Gradually facing traumatic memories in a safe way helps lessen the emotional impact of these memories over time.
Adding biblical counseling to TF-CBT can offer more support and healing. By combining therapy with spiritual practices like prayer and reading Bible verses, survivors can find comfort both psychologically and spiritually. Verses like Isaiah 43:2, "When you pass through the waters I will be with you," remind survivors that God is with them in their struggles. This approach helps survivors rely on their faith, drawing strength from their relationship with God while working through their trauma. The spiritual aspect can make the coping strategies learned in TF-CBT even stronger, creating a more complete and supportive healing process.
Including a relationship with Jesus Christ can make this healing journey even more powerful. Seeing Jesus as a healer and friend provides hope and support. Survivors can be encouraged to view Jesus as a source of unconditional love and help, which can rebuild trust and offer comfort. Reflecting on verses like Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest," can bring peace and assurance. By seeing their healing as supported by Jesus Christ, survivors can feel stronger and more determined, leading to a deeper and longer-lasting recovery that blends psychological methods, spiritual beliefs, and a personal relationship with Jesus.
The Power of Prayer
It is through prayer that one can find healing and rebuild trust. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This means that talking to God about their relationships can bring comfort and peace to survivors.
Regaining Trust from Oneself
Another important part of healing is relearning to trust oneself again. After going through trauma, survivors often doubt their own decisions. Jeremiah 29:11 gives reassurance: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Verses like this help survivors understand that better things are ahead as they work towards building healthy relationships in their lives.
Perseverance and Managing Relapses
Rebuilding trust is a gradual process that requires taking small steps forward. Galatians 6:9 encourages perseverance: “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Survivors should remember that every tiny step towards trust and healthy relationships is a big achievement. Each small victory shows their strength and resilience. It is important to celebrate these milestones because they contribute to the overall journey of healing and recovery.
It is also important to learn how to handle setbacks in building trust without getting discouraged. Scriptures that talk about strength and God’s support during tough times can be very comforting. For example, James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” Emphasizing these verses helps survivors understand that setbacks are part of the journey, and with perseverance and faith, they can continue moving forward toward a future filled with trust and healthy relationships.
Seeking Christian Biblical Counseling
Complex issues related to trauma and trust might need professional or holistic Christian counseling at times. It’s important for those dealing with these challenges to seek help when needed. Proverbs 11:14 highlights the value of wise counsel: “Where there is no guidance, people fall; but in abundance of counselors there is safety.” This verse helps survivors understand when to seek additional help and where to find it, emphasizing the importance of professional assistance from certified Christian therapists or licensed trauma therapists who work with child survivors.
Deepening Relationship with Christ
Afterwards, developing a deep and personal relationship with Jesus Christ is crucial for regaining trust and building new relationships. As John 15:5 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” A strong connection with God provides the spiritual strength needed to form bonds based on love and trust. Activities like prayer, Bible reading, and worship help individuals grow spiritually, creating a solid foundation for rebuilding trust and healthy relationships.
In summary, rebuilding trust and relationships after Satanic Ritual Abuse (SRA) involves a deep journey that combines biblical insights with effective counseling. The first step is to admit and understand the pain, then acknowledge God’s healing, set boundaries, and recognize one's value in Jesus. This process can include prayer, participating in faith-supporting communities, and using techniques like cognitive restructuring, narrative therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Survivors are also encouraged to rely on their own strength, regain trust in themselves, and persevere through setbacks by developing a strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Additionally, professional Christian counseling can be very helpful for those going through this complex recovery process, leading to the restoration of trust and the formation of healthy, loving relationships.
Wow, what a wild topic! If you have gone through Satanic Ritual Abuse and need more resources, check out our media page where you can find other great blogs to help. You can also book a session with Pastor Timothy Tomlinson or reach out to your local Christian counselor. Don’t forget to ask your church if they know of any local resources or support groups for survivors.
That’s why we’ve created the Spiritual Warfare & Self Inner Healing Free Online Course. Our program is designed to help you discover who you really are by connecting with Jesus Christ as a friend, savior, and loving father. Our aim is to empower people to recover from emotional hurts, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and even demonic oppression by turning to Jesus Christ alone. Through video lessons, audio teachings, weekly interactive support services, and additional support materials, participants are equipped to break satanic strongholds and achieve deeper inner healing for a more fruitful relationship with God. Start today on the path to freedom!
Blessings,
Pastor Sarah Tomlinson
Healing The Brokenhearted
References to Additional Resources:
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YouVersion (youversion.com): YouVersion creates biblically centered, culturally relevant experiences that encourage and challenge people to seek God throughout each day. It’s through these experiences we create opportunities fit for anyone’s daily routine, ultimately helping them form a spiritually-rich rhythm of seeking God intimately.
Online Courses
"Spiritual Warfare Training through Inner Healing": Offered by Pastor Timothy Tomlinson is a free online Christian training program designed to help individuals find inner healing and freedom through prayer and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
"Self Deliverance and Spiritual Warfare Training": Offered by Pastor Timothy Tomlinson is a online Christian training program that provides guidance on how to heal the wounded parts of your soul, overcome demonic oppression, and address emotional distress, all in the name of Jesus.
"The Daniel Prayer Playbook": Offered by Pastor Timothy Tomlinson, the online Christian training program provides guidance on how to approach Jesus as a friend, father, and judge, enabling participants to gain freedom from the enemy and experience healing through accessing the Mercy Court of Heaven.
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