Abstract

Author:
Ooja Monica Onmonya, Emmanuel Uche Igwe, Paul Okugo Imoh

Doi: 10.26480/mmhj.02.2025.40.49

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

This review explores the integration of pastoral counseling as a trauma-informed approach to addressing intimate partner violence (IPV) and behavioral health challenges, particularly among marginalized communities and autistic adults with co-occurring trauma. Marginalized populations often face structural barriers to care, stigmatization, and underrepresentation in traditional mental health services, while autistic individuals with trauma histories are frequently misdiagnosed or inadequately supported. The paper synthesizes interdisciplinary literature on trauma-informed care, pastoral psychology, and neurodiversity to highlight the unique capacity of pastoral counseling to offer holistic, culturally sensitive, and spiritually grounded support. It discusses how pastoral care can bridge service gaps by fostering relational safety, promoting resilience, and validating diverse lived experiences. The review also addresses the importance of training pastoral counselors in trauma-informed practices, autism acceptance, and intersectional frameworks to ensure competent and ethical support. By positioning pastoral counseling within trauma-informed behavioral health frameworks, this paper advocates for its expanded role in promoting healing and empowerment in underserved populations affected by IPV and trauma.