EP 55 with Rhiannon DuBois: How to Cope in Redemptive Ways

In this episode, Christine Caine welcomes clinical psychologist, Dr. Rhiannon DuBois, who oversees the global aftercare program for A21. Dr. Rhiannon reflects on her experience with divorce and brings practical wisdom for grieving in redemptive ways. This episode will equip you with three coping practices when dealing with trauma. 

SHOW NOTES:

Three Coping Practices

1. Emotion-focused coping involves acknowledging and feeling the emotions surrounding your situation and then processing those emotions through journaling, praying, or talking to a trusted friend or counselor.

2. Solution or problem-focused coping looks at what you must do to move forward and function.

3. Lastly, avoidant coping avoids the pain by denying the issue and, in extreme cases, turning to drugs or alcohol to numb the pain. It can even be Netflix binging, retail therapy, or anything that distracts you from dealing with the feelings associated with the trauma.

Avoid Avoidance

Research tells us that emotion and problem-focused coping are the healthiest ways to deal with grief. Avoidance might work for a while but eventually comes out in anger or aggression. Like a volcano, your feelings will erupt in unhealthy ways. Giving yourself structured time to practice emotion-focused coping will help you process your feelings within a set time so you can deal with the emotions rather than avoid them. Problem-focused coping helps maintain purpose when life can feel hopeless. 

Accepting the Unacceptable

Life can be excruciatingly hard, but Rhiannon encourages us that rather than ruminating on what we can’t change and remaining stuck in suffering, we can accept that we don’t understand. There is freedom in accepting the situation and laying it down in the hands of our Heavenly Father who sees the whole picture and will lovingly guide us through the pain.  

Follow Rhiannon @Rhi_Bella, @heartbreaksandretakes

Follow Christine @ChristineCaine

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Propel Women is an initiative of Equip & Empower Ministries founded by Christine Caine. 

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