Bellevue Christian Counseling Logo

  • ServicesRead about the expertise available
    • Individual ServicesAddress your personal concerns confidentially
      • ADHD
      • Abandonment Issues and Neglect
      • Aging and Geriatric Issues
      • Anger Management
      • Anxiety
      • Autism Spectrum Disorder
      • Bipolar Disorder
      • Chemical Dependency
      • Counseling for Children
      • Counseling for Teens
      • Codependency
      • Depression
      • Eating Disorders
      • EMDR
      • Grief and loss Counseling
      • Individual Counseling
      • Infidelity and Affairs
      • Lifespan Integration Therapy
      • Men’s Issues
      • OCD
      • Personal Development
      • Psychological Testing
      • PTSD
      • Relationship Issues
      • Sex And Porn Addiction
      • Sexual Abuse
      • Spiritual Development
      • Trauma
      • Weight Loss
      • Women’s Issues
    • Christian Couples CounselingWork through challenges together
      • Couples Counseling
      • Premarital Counseling
      • Marriage Counseling
    • Family CounselingEstablish the peaceful home you desire
      • Christian Counseling for Children
        and Teens
      • Family Counseling
    • Group CounselingBenefit from the support of others
      • Men’s Sexual Addiction Recovery
        Group
      • All Counseling Groups
    • Online Counseling
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Marriage Counseling
    • Sex And Porn Addiction
  • LocationsChoose from our variety of office locations
    • Bellevue Office FrontBellevue
    • Bothell Office Front EntranceBothell
    • Edmonds Christian CounselingEdmonds
    • Everett Office Front EntranceEverett
    • Federal Way Office FrontFederal Way
    • Hansville
    • Kent 2Kent
    • Kirkland Christian CounselingKirkland
    • LaceyLacey
    • Mill Creek Office Waiting RoomMill Creek
    • Monroe
    • Oak Harbor Office OutsideOak Harbor
    • Poulsbo
    • Puyallup Christian CounselingPuyallup
    • Redmond OfficeRedmond
    • Seattle Downtown OfficeSeattle Downtown
    • Seattle Greenlake 2Seattle Greenlake
    • Silverdale Office FrontSilverdale
    • Tacoma Office FrontTacoma
    • Spokane ValleySpokane Valley
    • Vancouver
    •  1Online Counseling
  • CounselorsFind the best counselor for your needs
  • CareersBecome an affiliated Christian counselor
  • (425) 939-6856Please give us a call, we are here to help
header-image

Keep Moving: Navigating the Roadblocks of Unresolved Trauma

Bellevue Christian Counseling
https://bellevuechristiancounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/keep-moving-navigating-the-roadblocks-of-unresolved-trauma.jpg 1280 720
https://bellevuechristiancounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/bellevue.jpg
https://bellevuechristiancounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/cropped-cropped-seattle-logo.png
330 112th Ave NE, Suite 302
BELLEVUE, WA 98004
United States
330 112th Ave NE, Suite 302
BELLEVUE, WA 98004
United States
Photo of Pamela Pope

Pamela Pope

Feb
2024
09

Keep Moving: Navigating the Roadblocks of Unresolved Trauma

Pamela Pope

Individual CounselingTrauma

Trauma that ensues from some of life’s obstacles and events has the potential to throw us off course from reaching important people and places along our destiny path. They threaten to derail our progress, disrupt momentum, and even cause things to come to a halt. Sometimes, the effects of trauma debilitate, persuading us to abandon the seed of a dream that God has planted in us.

Keep Moving: Navigating the Roadblocks of Unresolved Trauma 1When this happens, we become more aware of the size of our pain and the challenges we encounter. In hopelessness, we minimize God and His ability to move through the hard places where we have found ourselves stuck.

With any goal or worthwhile dream, there is a certain amount of movement required to move toward the future God has planned. In their various ways, the lingering effects of trauma station themselves as bullies, positioning between us and the manifestation of purpose-driven dreams. What we face seems insurmountable, driving us to adopt mindsets and habits that sabotage what we desire.

Like us if you are enjoying this content.

Our minds appear as enemies, intrusive thoughts obstructing the progress needed to attain goals. Though the voice of trauma sometimes seems to speak louder than the Voice of God, our potential will connect with the voice that we choose to acknowledge and heed.

It may seem impossible to navigate our way from places where we feel trapped, but we have a Savior who is a refuge to us in trouble (Psalm 46:1). When we study the examples of biblical heroes who suffered great challenges under extreme conditions, we see the rescue mission unfolding in the passages of Scripture. Even as the Psalmists cried out to God, the Father responded with both love and action.

God offers us similar opportunities as He did with those champions of our faith. We can submit to Him and pursue the vision the Holy Spirit has placed inside. The obstacles that oppose us from within do not have to stop our progress.

No matter what we face, we can embrace the wisdom of God to familiarize ourselves with the enemy’s devices. We don’t need to place more attention and emphasis on what he is doing than how God is moving. The Lord will give insight and equip us to navigate the war that wages in us and in the spirit realm.

The Holy Spirit will order our action steps, helping us in prayer and conversation to speak words that give life. He will reveal how we can partner with Him and all of Heaven to tread over the enemy (Luke 10:19). Although the devil strategizes against our minds and emotions, the following principles advise us of practical and spiritual steps to lead us into the future and hope God has planned (2 Corinthians 2:11; Jeremiah 29:11).

Performance.

Keep Moving: Navigating the Roadblocks of Unresolved TraumaThe enemy wrestles against us in the area of shame. He wants to persuade us to adopt a perpetual sense of unworthiness. Instead of relying on and delighting in the gift of God’s grace, Satan deceives us into believing that God’s acceptance comes by performing religious works.

Performance trains our focus on practiced rituals and outward appearance. It deflects focus from our hearts, the core of our being, which is most important to God (Isaiah 29:13; Ezekiel 33:31; Matthew 15:7-9).

God knows that we are like dust, and we are only able to desire and do His Will by His Spirit working internally (Psalms 103:14; Philippians 2:13). Pleasing Him does not originate with external performance exercises, but rather in hearts that draw near (Matthew 23:27-28).

At Jesus’ baptism, the Father publicly acknowledged His pleasure with His Son before Jesus ever performed any of the miracles leading up to His death, burial, and miraculous resurrection (Matthew 3:17). Similarly, we who have placed faith in Jesus Christ, are already loved and accepted, not by our religious performance activity, but rather because of the finished work of Christ and who He became for us (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Punishment.

Keep Moving: Navigating the Roadblocks of Unresolved Trauma 2There is nothing that we can do to extinguish or increase the Father’s compassion for us. He loves us completely and perfectly. While our good works can’t do for us what the blood of Jesus has already settled, neither can our self-punishment.

Shame operates to convince us that the Messiah’s offering was insufficient to atone for sin and soul. Furthermore, anxiety and shame jockey for attention. They contend that we have to earn our position in Christ by performing good works, yet punish us mercilessly when we miss the mark.

These soul villains cause us to seek salvation in false repentance, flogging ourselves with scathing words scripted in negativity. Jesus came to earth, to build us up, not tear us down. Coming to the Lord, in faith, with a contrite heart, is what endears us to Him.

Reconciliation isn’t limited to our eternal promise of salvation, but it is part of an enduring covenant that beckons us to return, receiving the mercy that forgiveness lavishes. Here, He bathes us in comfort and courage to joyfully receive His gift of grace.

Procrastination.

The pathway out of pain and trauma will be peppered with challenges. Sometimes, we can become overwhelmed and distracted by the concerns the world presents. It provokes fear, anxiety, and a feeling of being ill-equipped for areas where God has dispatched us to move forward in faith.

These difficulties incite anxiety and prevent us from cultivating what the Lord has planted in us. Advancing with what God has assigned isn’t optional. When we delay our obedience, we partner with the enemy to self-sabotage God’s destiny dream for us.

Procrastination is a tool often used to pull our focus from working in collaboration with the Holy Spirit in God’s preferred time frame. Procrastination partners with fear and progress to prevent and prohibit the Holy Spirit’s move through us. We have to intentionally extinguish limiting beliefs that we are not worth consistently showing up for our divine assignment.

Instead, we must embrace and encourage ourselves that we are worthy of our call, and therefore receive the grace to devote ourselves to the rhythm of investment that it may require. Shame and unworthiness don’t have to keep us cycling in inconsistency, but we can gather the support people and strength to uproot and move forward with encouragement and hope.

Perfectionism.

Keep Moving: Navigating the Roadblocks of Unresolved Trauma 3The purpose that God has crafted for our lives is bigger than us. When we hinder our obedience to what God has called, we rivet focus on our vision, supplanting what the Lord had in mind. Perfectionism partners with inadequacy and insecurity, stalling our progress and downplaying our gifts.

Even more, it belittles the Giver of those gifts in our lives. In doing so, we deny God intimate relationship and fellowship, robbing Him of the glory He wants to bring through our current, imperfect state.

Though we may disdain to appear weak, our vulnerabilities highlight God’s glory (2 Corinthians 12:9). He offloads the burden of our presumptive need to appear polished and put together on our own.

Perfectionism leverages an unsustainable burden, but our surrender to consolation and counsel of the Holy Spirit removes and relieves the crushing weight. With His spiritual insight, our finite view shifts in focus from temporal to eternal, from ourselves to our Savior.

Jesus was the only perfect person to walk the earth, and it is our relationship with Him that will usher us into experiencing wholeness, the Bible’s definition of perfection that pleases God.

Next steps.

If you are feeling trapped in the trauma of your past, unable to navigate toward your destiny, you can resume progress with the Holy Spirit. Setbacks will come, whether from circumstances out of your control or others under your direct influence. You don’t have to become enslaved to the effects of traumatic encounters. God has good and perfect gifts for you to discover, even as you seek Him for the wisdom of what’s next.

Begin by searching for a counselor on this site and secure an appointment to meet with a professional. You will gain the empathy and support to navigate your next move as well as the motivation and momentum to keep moving.

Photos:
“Blue Arch”, Courtesy of Darkmoon_Art, Pixabay.com, CC0 License; “Fantasy Castle”, Courtesy of peter_pyw, Pixabay.com, CC0 License; “Mirror, mirror, on the wall…”, Courtesy of pixundfertig, Pixabay.com, CC0 License; “What’s Next?”, Courtesy of geralt, Pixabay.com, CC0 License; Pixabay.com, CC0 License

DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this article are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please contact one of our counselors for further information.

  • Share on Facebook
  • Tweet it
  • ↑ Back to top
Photo of Pamela Pope
Schedule with Pamela
  • Appointment Info

  • Your Info

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Pamela Pope

Licensed Mental Health Counselor
(425) 200-0477 pamelap@seattlechristiancounseling.com

In Psalm 50:15 God says, “Call upon me in thy day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” My mom taught me this Scripture when I was three years old. I have used it many times in my life. We all struggle to reach out and let others help, but you are doing just that. You are asking God for guidance, you are calling out for help, and I believe that God will deliver you from your troubles. As a licensed counselor with over 30 years of experience, I will help you evaluate your current circumstances and accomplish your goals by using proven and effective techniques and strategies. As you draw from the power of the Holy Spirit, you will be led down the path of healing and purpose that God has for you. Read more articles by Pamela »

Other articles that might interest you...

spacer
Photo of Barney Armstrong

Barney Armstrong

Navigating Pre-marriage

Pre-marriage is a romantic time – a heady and exciting time and it is so by design.  It is also...

continue reading »
Treating Trauma - 2 Effective Therapies
Bellevue Christian Counseling

Treating Trauma – 2 Effective ...

What is trauma? Traumas are experiences that cause us to develop false beliefs about ourselves or about the world we...

continue reading »
The 3 Stages of Rape Trauma Syndrome
Bellevue Christian Counseling

The 3 Stages of Rape Trauma Syndrome

Sexual assault is on the rise. News venues are rampant with reports of rape occurring on college campuses, stirring inquiries...

continue reading »

About Pamela

Photo of Pamela Pope

Pamela Pope, MA, LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

In Psalm 50:15 God says, “Call upon me in thy day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” My mom taught me this Scripture when I was three years old. I have used it many times in my life. We all struggle to reach out and let others help, but you are doing just that. You are asking God for guidance, you are calling out for help, and I believe that God will deliver you from your troubles. As a licensed counselor with over 30 years of experience, I will help you evaluate your current circumstances and accomplish your goals by using proven and effective techniques and strategies. As you draw from the power of the Holy Spirit, you will be led down the path of healing and purpose that God has for you. View Pamela's Profile

Recent articles by Pamela

  • Jan 16 · Why It Is So Hard to Stop Stress Eating
  • Dec 2 · Unpacking the Fawn Response After Trauma
  • Nov 14 · 5 Questions (and Answers) about Lifespan Integration Therapy
See all articles by Pamela »

Related Services

  • Individual Counseling
  • Trauma

Pamela's Office Locations

  • Photo of the Kirkland office

    Kirkland

    Washington

    General Office Number

    (425) 407-5162
    634 7th Avenue Kirkland, WA 98033

    View Office Details
  • Photo of the Online (WA only) office

    Online (WA only)

    General Office Number

    (206) 388-3929
    ,  

    View Office Details
Bellevue Christian Counseling Logo
Bellevue Christian Counseling
Professional help with faith-based values
We are an association of professional, independently licensed Christian counselors experienced in helping people of all ages find healing for a wide variety of issues.
© 2025 Bellevue Christian Counseling. All rights reserved.
330 112th Ave NE,, Bellevue, WA 98004. Tel (425) 939-6856.
Facebook Twitter Online Counseling About Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Feel free to contact us!
We are open for business. In person and online counseling are available now.