Theological Dimensions of Trauma Recovery: Clinical Implications for Restoring the Imago Dei

Trauma impacts not only the body and mind but also the spirit. For many survivors, questions of meaning, identity, and relationship to the divine are central to their healing journey. This article explores the theological and spiritual dimensions of trauma recovery, extending beyond traditional psychological and relational approaches. We explore how theological constructs such as the imago Dei, God-images, and inherited sin and redemption can contribute to trauma recovery. We discuss how these theological resources offer therapeutic frameworks for trauma survivors seeking to restore identity, reconstruct narratives, and break intergenerational cycles of harm.