CRIS 304 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY Adsit Reading Report Assignment_2024.pdf

ADSIT READING REPORT ASSIGNMENT 1

Adsit Reading Report Assignment

Leah Rocha

Liberty University

ADSIT READING REPORT ASSIGNMENT 2

Adsit Reading Report Assignment

This reading report covers the following five chapters from The Combat Trauma Healing

Manual (Adsit, 2015): step 1, “where was God?;” step 2, “what happened to me?;” step 3A,

“where’s the hospital? – part 1;” step 3B, “where’s the hospital? – part 2;” and step 4, “how did I

with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The author explains the neuroscience of trauma in

laypeople's terms, how trauma changes an individual, and how to claim their new normal with

In the first chapter of his book, Adsit (2015) explores the natural tendency for individuals

to question why God allows horrifying events to happen and where He was in those moments of

tragedy. The reality of evil's existence in the world is undeniable, and throughout history,

humanity has faced violence and unimaginable acts of cruelty. While individuals often blame

God for these atrocities, it is equally important to acknowledge the collective responsibility of

individuals in perpetuating or combating evil (Adsit, 2015).

Adsit (2015) explains who the veteran’s real enemy is by referring to Ephesians 6:12,

Ezekiel 28:12-19, Isaiah 14:12-17, and 1 Peter 5:8. Contrasting against this thorough

explanation, the author sets out to showcase how God is the veteran’s ally. While referring to

King David as “a world-class warrior” (2015, p. 15), Adsit demonstrates how God was engaged

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Heaven” (p. 15; Psalm 7:6, 9-11) and never abandoned him in battle. Simultaneously, King

David struggled physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually while engaging in battle

(Psalm 109:21-27) (Adsit, 2015).

Furthermore, Adsit (2015) emphasizes that God exhibits empathy toward the pain of

suffering and evil often surpass complete comprehension, constrained by the limitations of

human thinking. However, deep within individuals, a longing exists for something beyond this

(Adsit, 2015).

Step 2: What Happened to Me?: Understanding the Physical/Psychological Context of

Your Trauma

Step 2 of Adsit's (2015) book does a beautiful job of normalizing posttraumatic stress

disorder (PTSD). He utilizes Psalm 139:14 to demonstrate how God has designed the brain's

reactions to trauma to protect the individual. By doing so, Adsit removes preconceived notions

that someone with PTSD is weak or defective. The author begins by defining sacrifice as

meaning to give up something. The explanation covers the spectrum of combat trauma, including

secondary trauma. One of Adsit’s most powerful statements is that “[p]osttraumatic stress

disorder is a natural reaction to an unnatural event” (2015, p. 23). He says not being affected by

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combat is unnatural. The author’s comparison of a “soul wound” (p. 24) to a physical wound is

quite logical and convincing (Adsit, 2015).

Adsit’s (2015) writing is down-to-earth and easy to understand. He engages his readers

by using common words relatable to the military. Additionally, he takes a complex subject, such

right side to a photo album, Adsit explains the intricate dance between the automatic nervous

system (ANS), the brain, and the body’s biology in a way that lay readers can understand.

and studying God's Word. Adsit makes a poignant point, God is the one who created the human,

including the brain, so it is only Him that can heal them. However, God will not force His will on

another, so this healing can only happen if the sufferer submits to the Holy Spirit’s guidance

(Adsit, 2015).

Adsit (2015) then goes on to explain the three kinds of people: 1) the natural man who is

in control of his life, 2) the spiritual man who has given control over to Christ, and 3) the carnal

man who maintains Christ in his life but dethrones Christ as the governor of his life. The author

informs the reader that surrendering one's life requires continuous practice rather than being a

one-and-done act. He goes on to espouse the five steps of surrendering: 1) there must be a desire

for God, 2) the confession of sin, 3) presenting self, 4) asking, signaling the act of one’s will, and

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In the last part of this chapter, Adsit (2015) compares knowing the Word of God like a

rifleman knows every inch of his weapon. Again, the author’s analogies are powerful, using

images and concepts unique to the military population. He shares the “Word of God Hand

Illustration” created by The Navigators, which demonstrates that one would need to hear, read,

Step 3B: Where’s the Hospital?: Constructing Your Healing Environment – Part 2

Adsit (2015) introduces the reader to the concepts of prayer, Christian community, and a

The author compares the Christian community to a green zone (Adsit, 2015). He explains

the dangers of isolation and how it will exasperate PTSD symptoms. Adsit builds a strong case

that there is safety in numbers and how to identify a healthy community of people. Building on 1

Corinthians 12:4-11, he explains how each person in Christ receives divine gifts intended to

encourage and strengthen one another. He encourages the reader to discover their divine giftings

and use them within a community (Adsit, 2015).

Finally, Adsit (2015) speaks to the mindset that someone needs to have to fight for their

healing. The warranted elements are courage, intentionality, and optimism. He begins by

normalizing fear and proves that it is not the opposite of courage, but that courage coexists with

fear. One cannot be courageous if one is not scared. He goes on to speak about how one must be

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encourages the reader to shift from pessimism to optimism. He acknowledges that the road to

healing is not easy, but if you never try, you will 100% fail (Adsit, 2015).

Step 4: How do I Change?

Adsit (2015) opens this chapter with more psychoeducation on how PTSD affects

depends significantly on letting out dark secrets to let healing in but cautions the reader to go at

their own pace and watch out for potential flooding. He takes the reader through a “warm up” (p.

confronting their combat traumas. The author explains the reasoning behind each step,

empowering the reader to face their fears with courage. Adsit interweaves all the previous

learnings, like enlisting others for help and leaning on one’s relationship with God (Adsit, 2015).

Application

Adsit’s (2015) manual delves into various aspects of trauma, spirituality, and healing. He

offers insights that expand a clinician’s understanding and approach to therapy. Engaging with

this material can deepen empathy and compassion for individuals who have experienced trauma,

particularly combat veterans. Understanding the spiritual context of trauma, the physical and

psychological impact of traumatic events, and the importance of creating a healing environment

can inform therapeutic interventions and help provide more comprehensive and practical support

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the mindset of courage and intentionality in the healing process. Adopting these concepts can

enhance the clinician's self-care practices, spiritual growth, and overall well-being, enabling the

therapist to be more present, grounded, and resilient in their work (Adsit, 2015).

Gaining a deeper understanding of how spirituality can help the traumatized aids the

exploring the role of spirituality in their healing journey and integrating spiritual practices or

resources that are meaningful to them. Another tool is normalizing and validating the client’s

The author commits to incorporating what was learned from Adsit's (2015) manual by

following the following steps. First, the author will aim to incorporate spirituality into therapy by

exploring clients' spiritual beliefs and experiences. Secondly, staying updated on trauma research

through ongoing learning and professional development ensures the provision of evidence-based

care. Fostering a sense of collaboration with referral networks of other professionals and

organizations to enhance the support available to their clients is vital. Furthermore, the author

will take post-graduate training to learn more about PTSD and how it affects the military and

first responders. By implementing these actions, the author can integrate what they have learned

into practice, provide holistic care to clients, and experience growth in professional development.

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Critical Thinking Questions

Question #1

In step 1, Adsit (2015) discusses the healing power behind the person with PTSD in

recognizing God's presence and empathy in the face of human suffering. This antidote rests on

done to humanity. Considering this, can the individual who suffers from PTSD experience

complete healing if they do not believe in God?

Question #3

Step 3A, Adsit (2015) speaks about connecting with the Holy Spirit and studying the

Word of God as two of the five vital elements to healing for the person with PTSD. Although

there is no disagreement with this concept, the author wonders how achievable these elements

are if an individual is so overwhelmed with their symptoms that they cannot concentrate. Are

there incidences where therapy may need to be the first line of defense before applying these

spiritual healing components?

Question #4

Adsit (2015) demonstrates how everyone has divine giftings that are unique to them and

suggests the reader set out to discover their giftings and how to use them to contribute to their

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Question #5

Step 4 of Adsit’s (2015) manual walks the reader through the beginning of facing their

trauma. Although Adsit offers some cautions and helpful tips on staying in the window of

tolerance, it raises some concerns about how safe this exercise is for those not in active therapy.

safety while guiding clients through confronting and processing their traumas?