In the year 1202, a young Giovanni Bernardone, who we would come to know as St. Francis of Assisi, was captured in a conflict between Assisi and Perugia and held as a prisoner of war for about a year. This horrific experience as a prisoner of war changed Francis, and he likely ventured through life suffering from what we would now call PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). And yet, Francis undoubtedly became a “wounded healer" for others and the world. So, what about us? What brokenness do we carry? What traumas do our bodies hold? How can we move toward wholeness and healing and ultimately use our stories to become wounded healers for others?

This episode's guest is Richard B. Patterson, PhD, a clinical psychologist and trauma therapist practicing in El Paso, Texas. Two of the primary groups he has worked with in his career as a therapist are combat veterans and victims of clergy abuse. He is a regular contributor to St. Anthony Messenger who has a new piece in the July/August issue titled, “Turn to the Beatitudes.”

Click here to read this episode's show notes: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/off-the-page-by-franciscan-media/.

Disclaimer: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including historical and modern experiences of trauma, war, and sexual abuse, which may be triggering. If listening brings up difficult emotions, please reach out to a trusted therapist or contact a support resource like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at 1-800-950-6264. We encourage prioritizing your well-being.

(00:00:01) Introduction

(00:03:42) Becoming a Clinical Psychologist and Trauma Therapist

(00:06:38) Working with Victims of Clergy Abuse

(00:13:23) Wrestling with Catholicism and the Church

(00:18:28) Working with Combat Veterans and Becoming a Wounded Healer

(00:24:13) What Listeners Should Know about People Suffering from PTSD

(00:27:22) What is Trauma?

(00:31:42) Moving Through Trauma

(00:35:08) Your Trauma Doesn't Define You

(00:38:48) Anger with God and the Complexity of Trauma

(00:46:31) Tools in the Christian Tradition for Navigating Grief and Trauma

(00:51:12) Self-Rejection: An Enemy of the Spiritual Life

(00:54:36) St. Francis of Assisi's PTSD and Spiritual Awakening

(01:00:31) Grief: 'Blessed Are Those Who Mourn'

(01:06:41) Trauma Resources and Advice for Therapy

(01:10:05) The Healing Power of Listening and Presence

(01:13:12) Conclusion