Trauma and marriage workshop
Psychological trauma can severely affect a marriage. This workshop helps couples, and the people who support them, understand trauma responses and find practical ways to stay connected through challenging and stressful times. It is led by Barry and Dr Paula Davis of Connecting Matters.
What the workshop covers
Trauma rarely affects only one person. When one or both partners carry painful experiences, those experiences can shape how they react to stress, conflict and closeness. The workshop explores:
– common trauma responses and how they can show up in a marriage
– how the body and emotions carry the past, and why reactions can feel bigger than the present moment
– anger, withdrawal and other protective responses that create distance between partners
– practical strategies for maintaining connection during challenging and stressful situations
– how faith and community can support healing alongside professional help
Who it is for
The workshop is suitable for married couples, church and ministry groups, missionary and cross-cultural couples, and counsellors and people-helpers who work with couples. Sessions can be customised to meet the needs of your group or organisation.
Who leads the workshop
Dr Paula Davis is a clinical counsellor, supervisor and lecturer in counselling. Her doctoral research explored the transferability of Western psychological trauma concepts to collective societies, and grew out of her work with traumatised couples in post-war developing countries. Together, Barry and Paula have run workshops for traumatised couples and for missionary couples in Kenya and Uganda, as well as marriage workshops in Australia, Sri Lanka, India and Europe. Read more about Barry and Paula.
Further reading from Paula
My Body Remembers, What My Body Remembered, Time Does Not Heal All Wounds and Guarded Hearts explore trauma, healing and faith. Paula's book Eating Water, Drinking Soup explores trauma recovery, emotional healing and a relational walk with God.
Trauma workshop FAQs
Is this workshop trauma therapy?
No. The workshop is educational and enrichment-focused. It is not a substitute for therapy with a qualified trauma counsellor or psychologist. If you or your partner are struggling with the effects of trauma, please speak with your GP or a qualified practitioner. In a crisis in Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Who can attend?
Married couples, church and ministry groups, missionary couples and counsellors who work with couples. We will talk with you about the right format and depth for your group.
Can you run this workshop for our church or organisation?
Yes. We run workshops with host churches and organisations and can customise sessions to your group. Contact us to discuss dates, location and format.
Bring this workshop to your group
Tell us about your church, ministry or organisation and we will talk with you about a format that fits.
Enquire about this workshop