Corrections_Today_Spring_2025_Vol.87_No.1

CORRECTIONAL CHAPLAIN PERSPECTIVES

– Support healing practices: Encourage restorative practices such as prayer, journaling, Bi ble study, and group worship. These spiritual disciplines can help support and strengthen incarcerated persons process ing their trauma, building positive habits, healthy rela tionships, and beginning the journey of healing in a safe environment. One of the most profound ways chaplains can support trauma survivors is through the ministry of presence — being present with them in their pain without rushing to fix or judge. My personal reflection: A place to belong Today, I live and am healing from trauma because God’s uncondi tional loving presence found me and restored me. Also, I was cared for by several safe people who con stantly loved me without judgment or condemnation. In my own ministry and trauma healing journey, I have learned that creating a safe, support ive, and non-judgmental environment with the power of presence are key elements in fostering a sense of be longing and promoting healing. 6

Recognizing a person’s pain and affirming their dignity can be incredibly powerful. Realizing true healing begins when a person feels truly seen, heard, and understood rather than judged or dismissed. Incarcerated individuals often feel invisible, reduced to numbers or negative labels, but when a chaplain can acknowledge their humanity, the trauma they have endured and how it has affected them, it can open the door to healing. One of the most profound ways chaplains can support trauma survivors is through the ministry of presence — being present with them in their pain without rushing to fix or judge. Trauma-informed care emphasizes partnership rather than power. Chaplains have the opportunity to walk alongside the incarcerated in their journey of healing, providing guidance but not control. This involves empower ing them to take ownership of their spiritual and emotional growth, of fering support as they navigate their trauma and seek transformation. Conclusion: A ministry of healing and transformation Correctional chaplains have the opportunity and privilege of being part of the solution for incarcer ated persons who have been deeply wounded by trauma. By adopting a trauma-informed approach, chap lains can help the incarcerated not only meet their spiritual needs but also help to avoid re-traumatizing themselves as well as others. The outcome will be increased safety for all, decreased recidivism, and an enhanced healing process. 7

Recognizing a history of trauma in an incarcerated person’s life al lows chaplains to minister in ways that heal rather than harm. Through a trauma-informed care pathway of presence, faith, and a commit ment to walk alongside the trauma survivor in their healing journey, chaplains reflect the essence of love and compassion. This approach helps inmates rediscover their value and worth, and begin the journey toward a new, restored life. CT REFERENCES 1 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 2014. SAMSHA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma Informed Approach. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 14-4884. 2 Yoo, Rev. Dr. Sanghoon. 2022. Caring for Trauma in the Church. Routledge. 3 Bloom, Sandra L. 1997. Creating Sanctuary: Toward the Evolution of Sane Societies. Independently published. 4 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 2014. Trauma Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 13-4801. 5 DeVeaux, Mika’il. 2013. The Trauma of the Incarceration Experience. Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review, Vol. 48, pp. 257-277. 6 Correa, Sheridan. 2022. A Place to Belong: The Story of Sheridan Correa. Victorious Living Magazine, 2022(3):18-20. Available at: A Place to Belong - Victorious Living Magazine 7 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 2024. How Being Trauma-Informed Improves the Criminal Justice System Responses. Policy Research Associates, Inc. p 6.

Sheridan Correa is the Prison Outreach Wellness Program Director, Trauma-Informed Biblical Counselor, at Victorious Living Ministries in Greenville, North Carolina.

Spring 2025 | Corrections Today

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