THE CHRIST CURE: 10 Biblical Ways to Heal Your Mind from Trauma, Tragedy, and PTSD

A HANDBOOK FOR THE BROKEN

A valuable guide for anyone dealing with PTSD, trauma and tragedy, family members of trauma victims, clergy who seek a better understanding of psychology, and for counselors who seek a better understanding of the role of faith in healing from trauma.

THE CHRIST CURE is comprehensive handbook of healing for victims of trauma and their families, guiding the reader through a unique path of true restoration, inspired by the life and works of the Apostle Paul (a survivor of multiple traumas), by modern day mentors, the humbling personal experiences of the author, Psychologist, Navy veteran and former Member of Congress Dr. Tim Murphy, and reinforced by solid scientific research.

Dr. Murphy's book is a faith foundation guide for healing the psychological problems in the wake of trauma. Awakened by his own failures, the author grasped for ways out of his deep depression and re-discovered inspiration in the life and works of the Apostle Paul, who himself lived a life filled with major traumatic experiences. It offers new insights into how life threatening abuse, chronic stress and self-inflicted trauma affects us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, and most importantly, how we can heal.

In the book, Dr. Murphy candidly describes his own fall from grace, his battle with depression and his humble confession that while he was trying to save the world he was losing his own soul; disconnecting from his faith and family. He walks the reader through his return to the Bible and his discovery of a great mentor for healing from trauma-the Apostle Paul.

Paul the Apostle suffered several dozen severe traumas including whippings, stoning, shipwrecks, trials, imprisonment, abandonment, and a looming death sentence. Modern psychological research suggests any one of these traumas should have been emotionally crippling for him. Instead, Paul grew stronger and more courageous.

Unique to this book is the foundation of biblical pillars for healthy treatment of trauma all supported by research and scripture including fitness, sleep, healthy eating, healthy relaxation, resilience, resistance, recovery, and renewal. Within each stage the reader is challenged to choose between sets of dichotomies, one leading to healing, while the other worsens our problems. Throughout, the reader is empowered through their own suffering to become stronger in their relationships and faith:

• Building Strength instead of Weakness
• Courage over Fear
• Vigilance over Vulnerability
• Hope over Despair
• Guilt over Shame
• Forgiveness over Condemnation
• Acceptance of Faith, Trust, Grace and Mission

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) effects tens of millions with symptoms of depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, broken relationships, isolation, and suicidal thoughts. Current treatment approaches include counseling and medication, but this often leaves many still struggling in darkness for years. Here, readers are guided on a very different path lit by a beacon of faith.

THE CHRIST CURE: 10 Biblical Ways to Heal Your Mind from Trauma, Tragedy, and PTSD provides much-need help and guidance to "the broken" from secular to scriptural; illustrated with inspirational stories of those who are winning their own battles.

TABLE OF CONTENTS to THE CHRIST CURE: 10 Biblical Ways to Heal from Trauma, Tragedy, and PTSD by Dr. Tim Murphy

Introduction

Part One: Trauma Is Everywhere

1. You Are Not Owned by Trauma

2. Trauma Does Leave a Mark

3. How Trauma Affects You0

Part Two: Steps to Healing

4. Step #1—Build Your Own Resilience

5. How to Apply Your Resilience

6. Step #2—Arm Yourself with Resistance

7. How to Apply Your Resistance

8. Step #3—Embrace Your Recovery

9. How to Apply Your Recovery

10. Step #4—Accept Your Renewal.

11. How to Apply Renewal

Part Three: Six Steps to STAY Healthy

12. Step #5—Get Fit

13. Step #6—Strengthen Your Attitudes

14. Step #7—Get Enough Sleep

15. Step #8—Train Your Mind

16. Step #9—Eat Healthy

17. Step #10—Learn to Relax

Conclusion.

TIM MURPHY, PHD is a licensed psychologist, specializing in resilience and recovery from psychological trauma. He is currently the clinical director of a center specializing in the care of veterans, military and first responders with PTSD, called "Fortis Future," and he is a board member of national organizations advocating for improved treatment of mental illness, and volunteers with the Red Cross. Dr. Murphy consults on mental health and public policy with national organizations and speaks extensively throughout the United States, andhas extensive clinical experience with TBI/concussion treatment includes treating retired professional athletes, military, veterans and first responders.

Dr. Murphy was elected to the US House of Representatives eight times, and was a member of the prestigious Committee on Energy and Commerce, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation, Co-Chairman of the Mental Health Caucus, Chairman of the Steel Caucus and Chairman of the Doctors' Caucus. He championed landmark mental health reforms while in Congress. After years of fighting for passage of his bill, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis act of 2016 passed the house 422-2, was amended onto the 21st Century Cures act and signed into law in December 2016 by President Obama.

Dr. Murphy served eight years as an officer in the Medical Service Corps of the US Navy Reserve, achieving the rank of Commander (O-5). He worked on the staff in the inpatient Traumatic Brain Injury/PTSD unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, served on board with the medical crew on three aircraft carriers, (USS Carl Vinson, USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Ronald Reagan) and with the assessment/selection team for Navy special warfare. His personal awards include: Joint Services Commendation, Navy Commendation with Gold Star, and Navy/Marine Achievement medal among others.

Dr. Murphy served in the Pennsylvania State Senate (six years) as Chairman of the Aging and Youth Committee, Vice Chairman of Health and Welfare, and member of Appropriations, Banking/Insurance and Rules. As senator he authored the historic Managed Care reform Act.

He received his PhD from the University of Pittsburgh, MA from Cleveland State University, and BA from Wheeling Jesuit University. Murphy also served on the staffs of Children's Hospital, and Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, and founded his own private practice. While at the University of Pittsburgh his faculty positions included Associate Professor in the School of Medicine, and Assistant Professor in the School of Public Health. He has been recognized as a champion for advocacy in mental health by the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mental Health America and several other national and state organizations.

Dr. Murphy is a co-author of two books:Overcoming Passive Aggression, 2nd EditionandThe Angry Child: Regaining Control When Your Child is Out of Control.

Tim and his wife Nanette Missig have a daughter, son-in-law and three beautiful grandchildren.He lives & works in the Pittsburgh metro area.

"Both a refreshing perspective on the power of faith to heal and a logical, straightforward approach for incorporating faith into healing from the devastating impacts of PTSD. This gives us another important tool in our toolkit for successfully helping people to conquer PTSD, giving them hope and their lives back. This book is invaluable in tackling this very tough issue." — Forrest Faison, M.D., 38th Surgeon General, U.S. Navy

“Powerful and indispensable, THE CHRIST CURE is a must-read for Christians seeking answers to help them heal, physically, mentally and spiritually." — Pete Earley, Author of Crazy: A Father’s Search Through America’s Mental Health Madness

“Through thoughtful case studies of resilience and character and a close reading of the Apostle Paul, Dr. Murphy posits a truly radical (so old it is new) theory: God’s gift of infinite grace means we are never powerless and never alone.” — Keith Burris, PhD, Columnist, Former VP and Editorial Director, Block Newspapers

“Dr. Murphy wisely weaves together psychological and medical knowledge, clinical and personal experience, and biblical truth to provide an immensely helpful guide for those who have experienced a variety of traumas. I heartily recommend this uniquely wise and helpful book!” — Timothy A. Sisemore, Ph.D., St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute

“I recommend THE CHRIST CURE without reservations for all who have ever slipped into the devastating darkness of depression, anxiety or PTSD and for those seeking answers to our societal woes — therefore, for all!” — Joseph C. Maroon, MD, FACS, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Author of Square One: The Secret to a Balanced Life 

“An essential guide for clergy who want to better understand trauma, for counselors to understand the role of faith, and for those who want to heal.” — Rev. Tom Hall, Colonel, USAF, Retired, Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh

“A must-read for all, given that 70% of adults in the United States have suffered from trauma and 50,000 Americans annually die from suicide. More than a self-help book based on a return to religious principles, THE CHRIST CURE offers a comprehensive approach to the science of healing after trauma that is rich with examples from others Murphy has treated, as well as from his own recovery.” — Joseph DiSarro, PhD; Professor of Political Science,  Washington and Jefferson College