About This Session

Dive into Psalms of Lament and harness spirituality for resilience.

Psychological studies of thousands of traumatized individuals suggests that trauma survivors are less likely to see God as benevolent (Kosarkova et al., 2020). Additionally, research suggests that trauma profoundly impacts attachment not only with other people but also with God (Granqvist, 2020; Nortier Hollman & Marmarosh, 2023). Attendees will become familiar with the psychological constructs of both positive and negative religious coping as well as the potential advantages of cultivating positive religious coping as an adaptive form of coping. In this seminar, the unique phenomenon of Psalms of Lament in general (and Psalm 22 in particular) will be explored with emphasis on the role of lament in biblical texts. Students will learn the basic structure and movement of a lament psalm and will be invited to explore these themes in professional and personal ways. Various forms of positive religious coping will be reviewed as well as empirical support for tailoring these disciplines for individuals who value spirituality/religion.

"I loved the merging of spirituality and psychology in this course. The emphasis on grieving and how to sit with suffering without platitudes, 'Christianese' or solutions was real and raw and still hopeful. This combination isn't common or allowed enough, but it's so necessary."

- 2023 Lost Sparrows Trauma Conference Attendee

About Your Instructor

Dr. Adam Dell is Board Certified in Clinical Psychology and currently serves as the Director of Emotional Wellbeing at the Notre Dame Wellness Center. Dr. Dell received his Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Master of Arts degree in Interpersonal Relations at Grace College, and his Doctor of Psychology degree from Indiana State University. He accomplished a residency program at JBSA-Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio and served 6+ years as an active duty psychologist for the US Air Force including one overseas deployment. He garnered clinical experience in private practice and civilian hospital settings. Dr. Dell and his wife, Janine, were foster parents in 3 states over the past decade. Additionally, after years of infertility, they joyfully welcomed their daughters into their family in 2019 & 2023. Dr. Dell enjoys teaching and currently serves as an Adjunct faculty member for the graduate counseling programs at Wheaton College & Colorado State University.

Dr. Adam Dell

Clinical Psychologist, Foster Parent

"As a pastor who has studied, taught, and preached Psalms 22 many times I was able to see with fresh eyes the two-fold effect of the biblical worldview. That Christ both suffers for and with us and simultaneously offers us an eschatological hope of permanently eliminating suffering and its effects."

- 2023 Lost Sparrows Trauma Conference Attendee

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