What to say to a trauma survivor

Links talked about in the episode: https://team-dau.mykajabi.com/loves-resilience-free-ebook

Summary: In this conversation, Vicki Dau discusses the sensitive topic of how to communicate with trauma survivors, particularly those who have experienced sexual abuse. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging their pain, listening empathetically, and avoiding common pitfalls in conversation. The discussion also touches on the significance of resilience and personal growth in the aftermath of trauma, as well as the importance of providing support without trying to fix the survivor's experience.

Takeaways:

Acknowledge the survivor's experience with empathy.
It's important to ask if they want to talk more.
Listening is crucial; don't try to fix their pain.
Avoid saying things like 'that was a long time ago.'
Saying 'I don't know what to say' can be appropriate.
Avoid pious statements about God and suffering.
Survivors often want to be heard, not soothed.
Resilience is key to personal growth after trauma.

Chapters
00:00 Understanding Trauma Survivors
02:39 Effective Communication with Survivors
05:19 What Not to Say to Trauma Survivors
08:06 Empathy and Listening Skills
10:46 Resilience and Personal Growth

Keywords: trauma survivor, communication, empathy, support, listening, emotional support, trauma awareness, mental health, healing, resilience