Mending Broken Hearts Mending Broken Hearts - Lesson #3 Advice Therapist Response

Response from a Therapist

1.  What were Brenda’s greatest needs at this time in her life?

• An immediate visit to the emergency room to see if the fall harmed her or the baby;
• A pair of shoes and a pair of sunglasses;
• Temporary housing and/or help in filing a restraining order to have the perpetrator removed from their home.  (The victim probably would not have been ready to file a restraining order but assistance to do so could have been offered);
• Help in finding a job.  Usually the university provides some job placement and career counseling services to graduates for free;
• Someone to care.

2.  How did Pastor Ruth begin to win Brenda’s confidence?

Pastor Ruth showed up, pursued and persisted with Brenda even though Brenda attempted to conceal her bruises and her pain.  Ruth listened and believed Brenda. Ruth went with Brenda to her house which probably indicated to Brenda how much Ruth was willing to help her.

3.  What might a local congregation offer to a woman in Brenda’s situation?

• Help her develop a safety plan;
• Temporary housing or help in finding housing;
• Financial help for healthcare and housing needs;
• A women’s or singles group to offer Brenda support;
• Referral to community resources for victims of domestic violence.

4.  How would you assess Ruth’s intervention with Brenda?

Ruth’s initial intervention was very caring and created a connection with Brenda that allowed her to trust Ruth. 

5. Would you have responded in a different or similar way?

As a therapist, my initial intervention would have been similar. However, I would have taken her to the emergency room for medical attention and called a male colleague or a police officer to go with us to her home to get the things she needed.

6.  What would you see as the next step in pastoral care?

Pastor Ruth needs to connect Brenda to a Pregnancy Care Center and become educated on other community resources available for Brenda.  Pastor Ruth needs her own support system and mentors to help her as she helps those who have been damaged by domestic violence.

Catherine DeLoach Lewis Licensed Professional Counselor Charlotte, NC