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.
"The experience of trauma is not new for human beings—it is part of the human condition after the fall. Nevertheless, the modern age has greatly increased the opportunities and avenues of trauma. I'm thankful for Curtis Solomon and his good work in this book. You will be too."
Al Mohler, President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
"In this patient book for those struggling in trauma's aftermath, Solomon's wealth of experience with PTSD is constantly evident. It is realistic, rooted in Scripture, wise about physiology, full of case studies, and insightful about guilt, shame, and despair. I Have PTSD connects constantly back to the Lord and helps you construct a wise, holistic, and practical peace plan."
Alasdair Groves, Executive Director, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF); coauthor of Untangling Emotions
"I am so thankful for this book which addresses a specific but common form of trauma and does so in a way that is deeply grounded in Scripture. I am certain it will prove to be a blessing to those who have endured such trauma and to those who are seeking to minister to them."
Tim Challies, Author of Seasons of Sorrow
"After my military service, I struggled with severe PTSD—mainly because I became disoriented in my post-service world. It took time to realize and understand the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of my recovery, which led to my restoration of faith. If you're looking for a better understanding of PTSD, this is a must-read book that will help you, your loved ones, and those around you find hope through the gospel and pursue the life God intended for you!"
Chad Robichaux, Founder and CEO, Mighty Oaks Foundation; Force Recon Marine; JSOC operator; author of Saving Aziz
"People who suffer post-traumatic stress are exactly that—people who suffer. In this book, Dr. Solomon addresses you as a person, not a diagnosis or set of symptoms. He shows you the respect of a person made to know God in the complexities of your suffering."
Jeremy Pierre, Dean, The Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism, and Ministry and Lawrence & Charlotte Hoover Professor of Biblical Counseling, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; author of The Dynamic Heart in Daily Life
"In counseling, we often encounter people and problems that seem overwhelming and challenging. Our tendency can be to pull back rather than lean in. Curtis's book on post-traumatic stress helps us do the latter, leaning in with curiosity, hope, and practical help. I couldn't help but think to myself as I read how the gospel brings light to such a difficult and dark issue like PTSD. This book will become a faithful companion for complex struggles as you meet people in the darkest of places."
Jonathan D. Holmes, Executive Director, Fieldstone Counseling
"Trauma disrupts, but Curtis holds out hope for restoration. I Have PTSD: Reorienting after Trauma offers wise insights into how our bodies and souls respond to extreme suffering while offering the hope of the gospel for healing. Curtis compassionately breaks down the disorienting aspects of trauma, and then he provides orienting biblical truths paired with practical steps to begin the healing journey."
Darby Strickland, CCEF Counselor and Faculty; author of Is it Abuse?
"When we go through something severe enough to warrant the description traumatic, we want to harness all the available resources for the recovery process. In I Have PTSD, Curtis Solomon helps Christians rally the resources of their faith as powerful tools for regaining a sense of peace, stability, and hope. This is a great resource for believers wanting to know more of the Savior's comfort amid their struggle with trauma."
Brad Hambrick, Pastor of Counseling, The Summit Church, Raleigh-Durham, NC; author of Angry with God: An Honest Journey through Suffering and Betrayal
"Curtis Solomon has compassionately combined practical advice with a biblical foundation, blessing us with this invaluable resource. This book will prove to be a wonderful tool for any counselor or sufferer seeking to offer or find hope within the disorienting realities of trauma."
Chris Moles, Pastor; author of The Heart of Domestic Abuse
"Although trauma is something that many will experience, it is not a life sentence! In this book, Curtis Solomon does a masterful job of providing both a clear perspective on trauma and PTSD and a biblical framework with practical steps for addressing it. This book is a hope-filled guide for anyone struggling through the challenges of trauma."
Jeremy Stalnecker, Cofounder, Mighty Oaks Foundation; author of The Truth About PTSD
"I Have PTSD is the book we've been waiting for! Curtis guides readers with biblical wisdom, practical tools, and vulnerability regarding a painful topic. Have you suffered trauma? Are you an overwhelmed friend, family member, or church leader who needs guidance to help traumatized loved ones? This book is for you!"
Ellen Mary Dykas, Director of Equipping for Ministry to Women, Harvest USA; author of Jesus and Your Unwanted Journey: Wives Finding Comfort after Sexual Betrayal
"Curtis provides a much-needed resource for the church. Undergirded by years of counseling experience, he brings clarity by defining terms and describing PTS-related dynamics in simple and normalizing ways. He shows the church how to journey with those traumatized by evil, giving them practical and understandable ways to shepherd those in need. I highly recommend this book to every pastor and church member so they can see how abiding in Christ makes a difference in our past, present, and future."
Robert K. Cheong, Founder and Executive Director, Gospel Care Ministries; author of Restoration Story: Why Jesus Maters in a Broken World and Restore: Changing How We Live and Love
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Great insight for anyone with PTSd. Don’t believe the main stream hype that you are “broken”
Great insight for anyone with PTSd. Don’t believe the main stream hype that you are “broken”
Well done- easy read
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.