Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal
Vol-04, Issue-03(Jul-Sep 2025)
An International scholarly/ academic journal, peer-reviewed/ refereed journal, ISSN : 2959-1376
Addressing Childhood Developmental Trauma Disorder Through a Pastoral Counselling Framework
Ajeigbe, Olaide O.
Lecturer, Department of Practical Theology, Faculty of Theological Seminary of The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59231/SARI7837
Subject: Psychology / Pastoral Care / Mental Health
Page No: 57–71
Received: May 29, 2025
Accepted: June 20, 2025
Published: July 01, 2025
Thematic Classification: Childhood Trauma, Developmental Disorder, Pastoral Counselling, Mental Health Frameworks, Psychological Support, Trauma-Informed Care.
Abstract
Childhood Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD) significantly impacts emotional, cognitive, and relational functioning, often leading to long-term psychological and behavioral challenges. This research explores the integration of pastoral counselling as a therapeutic framework for addressing DTD. Grounded in both psychological theory and spiritual care principles, the study examines how pastoral counselling can offer holistic support by addressing the emotional wounds and spiritual needs of trauma-affected children. Through a qualitative review of case studies, counselling practices, and theological insights, the paper highlights the role of empathy, active listening, and faith-based interventions in fostering healing and resilience. The research advocates for a collaborative model that bridges mental health care with pastoral sensitivity, aiming to provide a more compassionate and comprehensive approach to trauma recovery. The findings suggest that when implemented ethically and thoughtfully, pastoral counselling can serve as a valuable complement to clinical methods in supporting children with developmental trauma.
Keywords: Childhood, counselling, trauma, emotional and framework.
Impact Statement
This research paper presents a comprehensive exploration of how pastoral counselling can serve as an effective and compassionate approach to addressing Childhood Developmental Trauma Disorder (CDTD). By integrating psychological insights with spiritual care, the study provides a holistic framework that nurtures emotional healing, fosters resilience, and restores a sense of identity and belonging in affected children.
The paper significantly contributes to the fields of trauma-informed care, pastoral theology, and mental health by bridging the gap between clinical interventions and faith-based support systems. It advocates for the inclusion of pastoral counselling as a complementary therapeutic modality, particularly in communities where access to formal mental health care is limited or stigmatized. This research encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and opens new pathways for training pastoral caregivers, educators, and religious leaders in trauma-sensitive practices. Ultimately, the study advances the global conversation on childhood trauma recovery by centering dignity, empathy, and spiritual well-being in the healing process.
Cite this Article
APA 7th Style
Ajeigbe, O. O. (2025). Addressing childhood developmental trauma disorder through a pastoral counselling framework. Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 4(03), 57–71. https://doi.org/10.59231/SARI7837
Chicago 17th Style
Ajeigbe, Olaide O. “Addressing Childhood Developmental Trauma Disorder Through a Pastoral Counselling Framework.” Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal 4, no. 3 (2025): 57–71. https://doi.org/10.59231/SARI7837.
MLA 9th Style
Ajeigbe, Olaide O. “Addressing Childhood Developmental Trauma Disorder Through a Pastoral Counselling Framework.” Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, vol. 4, no. 3, 2025, pp. 57-71, https://doi.org/10.59231/SARI7837.
Statements and Declarations
Peer-Review Method This article underwent a double-blind peer-review process by two independent external experts in Practical Theology and Clinical Psychology to ensure theological depth and psychological accuracy.
Competing Interests The author (Olaide O. Ajeigbe) declares no financial or personal conflicts of interest that could have inappropriately influenced the research findings or the framework presented in this study.
Funding This research was conducted as part of the author’s scholarly and academic activities at The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso. No specific external grants or commercial funding were received for this work.
Data Availability The analysis is based on a review of clinical trauma theories and pastoral counseling methodologies. All primary literature and theological sources cited are available through public academic archives and institutional libraries.
Licence Addressing Childhood Developmental Trauma Disorder Through a Pastoral Counselling Framework © 2025 by Olaide O. Ajeigbe is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. This work is published by the International Council for Education Research and Training (ICERT).
Ethics Approval As this study is a theoretical and methodological review of counseling frameworks and does not involve direct clinical trials or experimentation on human participants, it was deemed exempt from formal ethical review by the Institutional Review Board of The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary.
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