Ten Years in the Making

After ten years of development, a recent trip to South America marked ITEC’s first trauma counseling training, led by Dr. Trina. What began as a long-term vision is now being put into practice, helping communities address trauma in meaningful and lasting ways. This holistic approach draws on Biblical principles that are effective even in secular settings.

In many of the places we serve, trauma runs deep but often goes unrecognized. One group working with refugees described it clearly: people were carrying the loss of their country, their families, and even deaths that had never been fully grieved. That need became the focus of this training.

The training is designed to do more than teach—it creates space. Throughout the week, participants engage in simple, meaningful activities that help them process what they have been carrying. As trust grows, even those who are quiet begin to share, first in small groups and eventually with the whole room. As one trainer said, “If you don’t feel safe, you’re not going to share.” In many settings, this kind of openness is unfamiliar. Creating an environment where people feel safe enough to speak is a critical first step toward healing.

For many, trauma has taken something deeply personal—it has taken their voice. When people experience severe trauma, they often withdraw. Some have never had the opportunity to process what they’ve experienced. Others have learned to stay silent simply to keep moving forward. This training helps restore what was lost. Participants begin to understand themselves more clearly. They recognize their experiences and see what God says about who they are and how He heals. By the end of the week, they are not just learning—they are stepping into something new.

The impact does not end when the training is over. Participants return ready to walk alongside others, creating safe spaces and sharing what they have learned. The goal is not a single experience, but a multiplying effect—people helping people, relationships strengthening from within, and doors opening for the Gospel to be shared.

To learn more about how trauma counseling training can bring lasting healing and create long-term impact through short-term trips, contact us at [email protected].