There is nothing “fun” or enjoyable about this step. However, it is a good and needed part of the process. But do not allow these first two statements to cause you to think, “Alright then, let’s get it over with as quickly as possible.” That would be a mistake that could result in re-traumatizing yourself.

“Though the single most common therapeutic error is avoidance of the traumatic material, probably the second most common error is premature or precipitate engagement in exploratory work, without sufficient attention to the task of establishing safety in securing a therapeutic alliance (p. 172)… Therapy always involves juggling the survivor’s need to face what has happened and her need to feel safe. To tell is to feel unsafe. To remain silent is to be stuck and alone (p. 164).” Diane Langberg in Counseling Survivors of Sexual Abuse

Before engaging with the material in step two, please be sure you’ve firmly established the sense of safety that was the focus of step one. Significantly more so than any other seminar, thoroughly completing step one before starting step two is important when dealing with post-traumatic stress. Realize that God wants to see you made whole at a pace you can endure.

“The damages suffered may have been done in one or more terrible moments; the healing and restoration unfolds at a human pace. It unfolds at your pace. It unfolds as a part of your story, and it unfolds over time (p. 3).” David Powlison in Recovering from Child Abuse

In this chapter we will examine three subjects to help you acknowledge the history and realness of your trauma. These are arranged in an intentional chronological order; beginning with present symptoms and moving towards past events. The purpose of this order is to allow you to better put into words the experience of PTSD so that you can better invite support from others as you may experience an initial increase in symptoms as you work on this step.

Note: It is not advised that you work on this step in isolation. Having a support network, preferably both caring friends and an experienced counselor, is recommended.

  1. PTSD Assessment – This will help you understand the different types of common responses to trauma. It is meant to help you feel less “crazy” when you have experiences that might otherwise cause you to question your mental-emotional state. Remember, the symptoms of PTSD are a normal response to an abnormal circumstance.
  2. PTSD Daily Symptom Chart – This will help you monitor your experience of PTSD as you work through these materials. When you see spikes in your post-traumatic symptoms, take a break from the study. Allow your emotions to settle and re-establish your sense of safety (step one material) before resuming.
  3. Key Questions – In this section we will examine four questions: (a) To whom is it beneficial for me to acknowledge what happened? (b) In what level of detail do these acknowledgements need to occur? (c) When is it beneficial to begin this process; how do I know if I’m ready? (d) What benefits can I expect from this step?

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