ADSIT REPORT 2
Summary
Adsit’s 10-step “faith-based” Combat Trauma Healing Manual is a tool available for
veterans who suffer from combat related trauma and PTSD. The author, Chris Adsit, outlines in
his chapters, ways for the reader to understand the roll of the counselor in therapy sessions as
well as the psychological, physiological, and spiritual aspects of combat trauma and its
connection with God. This allows veterans to understand that trauma is not from God, it is the
result of evil. As the author states, “when God is not present, evil will prevail” (Adsit, 2015, p.
11).
The first step in this process of understanding and healing is asking the question “Where
was God?” This step helps the read focus on a healing relationship with the lord as opposed to
one of blame and abandonment. This is accomplished by helping the reader see who the real
enemy of their lives is, how our pain serves a purpose, and God’s love and healing plan (Adsit,
2015, p. 19). The reader is made aware that God loves us beyond our comprehension, and we
may not always see the bigger picture or plan.
The second step in this healing journey is for the reader to better understand “What
happened to me?” This step is important because it breaks down what exactly happens within the
human body during something like combat. As stated by Adsit, “whenever we face something
that can hurt us or put our lives in dangerous situations, hormonal and physical reactions will be
triggered” (Adsit, 2015, p. 25). When anyone experiences any type of trauma, the first question
is usually, “why me?”
The next step in Adsit’s process of healing is “Where is the Hospital?” This step is
actually broken down into sub-steps 3A and 3B. This two-process step helps focus our
understanding of how God uses the hospital in our healing process not only through his word,
ADSIT REPORT 3
but also his teachings. Adsit makes it clear that Christ must be accepted freely, but once he is, he
will fill that person with the Holy Spirit. This step is important because the Holy Spirit and Bible
itself are key to the healing process (Adsit, 2015, p. 35).
The fourth step in this journey is for the reader to understand “How did I change?” This
step aids the veteran in understanding where during their life they became symptomatic as they
retrace the trauma in their past. The importance of overcoming trauma blocking is highlighted
during this step because, blocking or suppressing traumatic memories can actually hinder the
recovery process. The author suggests journaling because this will allow the veteran to
understand that grief may always exist, but how a person handles that grief is what is important.
The fifth step in this process is helping the veteran understand “How can I stand it?” This
step helps provide the veteran with the tools they need to safely and effectively begin to recover
from trauma by helping them understand that grieving is a healthy part of the healing process.
This step goes even further by explaining some examples of both healthy and unhealthy ways to
grieve as well as helping them understand that everyone grieves differently, and that is okay
(Adsit, 2015, p. 66-76).
Application
The author does a very good job at presenting a litany of information on the healing
process from combat related trauma as well as helping the reader understand where God is
throughout this entire process. Helping veterans with PTSD is one of the two fields I am working
towards being involved in, so for me, this manual means that as a counselor, I can help restore
hope in my client’s lives by not only helping them on their healing journey but more importantly,
their spiritual recovery journey.
ADSIT REPORT 4
This manual is actual vital in assisting veterans move away from their feelings of guilt
and shame regarding not only a specific traumatic event, but the shame and guilt they are left
with in the aftermath by helping them reach the conclusion that God is with them throughout this
journey and will never leave them, even after they recover. It also helps them understand and
reconcile that they are part of a larger plan, and even though that plan can be traumatic at times,
the Lord will never leave you because he loves you more than we can comprehend.
It is already difficult for most veterans to trust but coupled with PTSD and other traumas
it becomes nearly impossible to make progress in their recovery. By not only creating an
environment where the veteran can feel safe and trust their counselor, but also helping them
reconnect with God and their own spirituality can greatly increase their chances of recovery as
well as provide them with the tools necessary to regain control over their own lives. More
importantly, however, is the path it provides veterans for moving towards more active
involvement in their own treatment as well as aids in the creation of healthy bonds with other
veterans working through the same issues as opposed to them self-isolating.
Critical Thinking Questions
1. How can we better assist those without a spiritual background to understand that they
cannot fully recover without addressing their spiritual needs as well as their physical
and mental ones?
2. Is it important for a counselor to have a constant relationship with God themselves in
order to help their clients achieve a higher level of spiritual awareness?
3. How can a relationship with God be introduced into a group setting when the group
consists of varying faiths and spiritualities?
