2025 Theses Master's

The Spirit is Willing: A Theology for Complex Trauma

Crouse, Stefani

This thesis presents an interdisciplinary exploration of complex trauma through the lenses of theology, psychology, and spirituality, aiming to develop a theological framework and practical community strategies to support survivors of ongoing, repeated trauma. It investigates how faith communities, particularly the Church, can evolve to meet the multifaceted needs of individuals living with complex trauma, emphasizing the importance of creative theological imagination and integrative spiritual care.

Complex trauma, distinguished by its repeated or prolonged exposure to interpersonal violence, often begins in childhood and disrupts fundamental psychological and spiritual development. This condition is associated with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), characterized by affective dysregulation, negative self-concept, and disturbances in relationships. The physiological impact includes cycles of hyperarousal and hypoarousal that chemically alter brain responses, leading to behaviors often misinterpreted as personality traits.

The thesis highlights the inadequacy of traditional theological frameworks in addressing the spiritual crises induced by complex trauma. It emphasizes the need for theological reframing that acknowledges ongoing trauma and its impact on spiritual development. Womanist theology, rooted in the lived experiences of Black women, offers critical insights into survival and healing from systemic and interpersonal violence. The Trinity is reexamined to provide a trauma-responsive theological framework, with God reconceived beyond patriarchal male imagery to a non-gendered Parent figure.
Healing from complex trauma necessitates the creation of safe, stable, and nurturing communities that function as chosen family, mirroring secure attachments absent in survivors’ early experiences. The Church is called to embody this familial role, moving beyond traditional ecclesial relationships to provide consistent support, foster agency, and accommodate the fluctuating needs of survivors. The thesis advocates for Psychologically-Informed Environments (PIEs) that combine trauma-informed care with an understanding of attachment and complex trauma.

The author reflects on personal experiences of complex trauma and the transformative potential of integrating psychological and theological insights. The work underscores the Church’s responsibility to address complicity in survivors’ suffering and to reimagine its role as a healing family that nurtures creative transformation through the Holy Spirit. Salvation is framed as communal and ongoing, rooted in relationships that foster resilience and hope.

Keywords: Complex trauma, Theology, Psychology, Spirituality, Theological framework, Community strategies, Survivors, Faith communities, Church, Creative theological imagination, Integrative spiritual care, Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), Affective dysregulation, Negative self-concept, Interpersonal relationships, Hyperarousal, Hypoarousal, Womanist theology, Systemic violence, Interpersonal violence, Trinity, Non-gendered Parent figure, Psychologically-Informed Environments (PIEs) ,Attachment theory, Pastoral care, Trauma-informed care, Healing family, Creative transformation, Holy Spirit, Resilience, Hope