Choose Your Gurus Wisely

Finding the Guide Who's Right for You

Photo by Jeannie Harris on Unsplash

The Long and Winding Road of Trauma Work

“The only journey is the journey within.” – Rainer Maria Rilke

Embarking on a journey to heal from trauma is never straightforward. It’s a twisting, turning path full of confusion and unexpected detours. Having skilled guides and perhaps a few companions by your side isn’t just helpful - it’s often crucial. These guides include therapists, counselors, pastors, or seasoned mentors and coaches. While “guru” traditionally refers to a spiritual teacher, here it encompasses anyone who can expertly guide on this spiritual, psychological, and emotional quest.

Beware, though: not all gurus are created equal. Gurus who don't fully understand trauma or are trying too hard to sell a program can do more harm than good. They can frustrate the already frustrated man who is only trying to understand the work he must do and improve his chaotic life. Repeated frustration from unhelpful approaches may lead to quitting, which in tu…