Episode 05: Healing Trauma (Part 1)

Some wounds don’t just fade with time. They live quietly in the body, shaping how we think, react, and even pray. When past pain lingers beneath the surface, it can color everything: our relationships, our sense of safety, and our view of God Himself.In this episode of Mind and Spirit, Catholic-integrative therapist, Luke Johanni begins a two-part series on trauma: what it really is, how it rewires the brain and body, and why it reaches into the deepest places of the soul. You’ll learn how trauma changes the brain’s survival system, why the body can stay stuck in defense mode long after danger is gone, and how faith reframes the story: not as one of weakness, but of redemption. Luke brings together neuroscience and Catholic theology to show that while trauma alters us, Christ meets us in those very wounds and makes them a path to healing. Drawing from The Body Keeps the Score, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the life of St. Dymphna, and more this episode reveals that healing isn’t about erasing what happened. It’s about discovering the God who never left.👉 Follow the show and stay tuned for Part 2 next week, where we’ll explore how recovery unfolds through therapy, CBT, EMDR, and prayer that restore peace to the mind, body, and spirit.For more reflections and resources, visit RestoredChristianCounseling.com and follow Luke on social media @LukeJohanni to learn more about integrating Catholic faith and psychology in everyday life. Sources from Today’s Discussion:• The Body Keeps the Score — Bessel van derKolk, M.D.• Catechism of the Catholic Church §§ 1501• Catechism of the Catholic Church §§ 1505• Salvifici Doloris — St. John Paul II• APA Dictionary of Psychology | TraumaDefinition• APA — Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Overview• NIMH — PTSD and Trauma Basics• Catholic Answers | St. Dymphna Encyclopedia• Psychiatric Times | St. Dymphna and the GeelCommunity• Tabella App Blog | St. Dymphna and theImportance of Mental Health• CBT Explained — American PsychologicalAssociation• EMDR Therapy — Francine Shapiro• The Healing Power of the Sacraments — Fr. JimMcManus, C.Ss.R.• The Wounded Healer — Henri J. M. Nouwen• Man’s Search for Meaning — Viktor E. Frankl• Catholic Therapists Directory• NAMI FaithNet