"Counseling Through the Storm" by Brooke Osborn and Karen Roudkovski is written primarily for counselors but can help anyone interested in supporting someone in a crisis.

The book is divided into 9 sections.

Introduction

Crisis

Grief

Suicide

Trauma

Children and Adolescence

Couples and Families

The Church

Care for the Helpers

Section 1 discusses the nature of suffering. "When a crisis hits, many of us struggle to see the goodness of in a fallen world, where things are not as they should be." Section 2 discusses the nature of a crisis and the process of crisis intervention. Sections 3-5 cover grief, lose, suicide, and trauma. Sections 6-7 address children and adolescents and the common crises they experience. In section 8 the discussion revolves around crises that involve the church. The book concludes by talking about the caregivers as they minister to others.

It offers practical strategies for managing mental health in crisis. Additionally, it highlights the role of supportive relationships in navigating personal and relational crises. Maintaining mental health during crises is crucial as it allows individuals to better cope with stress and uncertainty. When walking alongside someone through a crisis or trauma we need to be cognisant of the fact that we will be confronted with the evil and suffering in our world. Turning to God can provide the resilience needed to face challenges head-on and make wise decisions. Moreover, turning to God can help prevent the development of long-term psychological issues that may arise from untreated stress or trauma. Mental health plays a critical role in decision-making during crises by influencing an individual's ability to think clearly and remain calm in a crisis. When mental health is prioritized, people assess situations rationally and choose appropriate courses of action. Conversely, poor mental health can lead to impulsive decisions and hinder risk evaluation. Supportive relationships provide a sense of belonging and emotional security, which is vital during crisis times. They offer a network of encouragement and understanding, helping individuals feel less isolated in their struggles. Additionally, having trusted people to confide in can alleviate overwhelming situations and provide different perspectives that aid in problem-solving.

In the book "Emotionally Healthy Discipleship" Peter Scazzero says, "Waiting on God in the midst of loss defies human instincts and quick solutions. It runs contrary to Western culture and our own bent toward self-will. This is why we so desperately need the Holy Spirit to sustain us in these times."

Grief can be a long and winding journey. During crises, grief can be compounded by the immediate demands and uncertainties of the situation, leaving individuals with little time or space to process their emotions. The disruption of daily routines and social support systems can exacerbate feelings of isolation and make it more difficult to find comfort and closure. Additionally, the stress of the crisis itself may lead to heightened anxiety and depression, complicating the grieving process and requiring tailored support strategies. Support strategies for managing grief during crises include seeking professional counseling, which can provide a safe space to express emotions and develop coping mechanisms. Engaging in support groups can also be beneficial, as sharing experiences with others who are going through similar situations can foster a sense of community and mutual understanding. Additionally, practicing self-care activities such as mindfulness, exercise, and creative expression can help individuals process their grief and maintain their mental well-being.

Brene Brown in "Atlas of the Heart" says, "We need hope like we need air. To live without hoppe is to risk suffocating on hopelessness and despair, risk being crushed by the belief that there is no way out of what is holding us back, no way to get to what we desperately need. But hope is not what most of us think it is. It is not aa warm fuzzy emotion that fills us with a sense of possibility. Hope is a way of thinking –– a cognitive process ."

For the sake of keeping this review short, I will not discuss the other sections. For those who are walking along side someone in crisis, the rest of the book is full of excellent advice.

In Counseling through the Storm: A Guide to Treating Crisis and Trauma, licensed professional counselors and professors Brooke Osborn and Karen Roudkovski provide an in-depth, trauma-informed guide for those ministering to someone in crisis. From their years of professional and classroom experience, Osborn and Roudkovksi offer practical and sensitive guidance for mentors, ministry leaders, and counselors.
When the storms come into our life, we need a good counseling to face it.

An excellent reference for all kinds of crises and how to counsel those affected by them in a biblical way.

This is a helpful volume for pastoral counseling. It is a valuable reference resource for leading people through times of crisis. I can see this book being used in college and seminary counseling courses. Each section not only addresses tips and strategies for counseling, but also how the church can become a healing and therapeutic environment for people in crisis and dealing with trauma. Recommended for pastors and ministerial students. Thank you to B&H Academic for the advanced review copy through NetGalley.