The Safe Touch Coloring Book for Kids’ Sexual Safety from Dr. Beth Robinson

We love Dr. Beth Robinson, if you get to know her you will as well. Not only is she a widely related expert in the areas of foster care, adoption, and serving traumatized youth, but she is a ton of fun too! Here is a resource from our dear friend. Help children explore safety, trust, and family connection through creativity! The Safe Family Coloring Book is designed to open gentle conversations about healthy boundaries, emotional well-being, and the importance of feeling secure at home. With engaging illustrations and simple affirmations, this book invites kids to color while learning that their voices and safety matter. Perfect for parents, counselors, teachers, and caregivers, it can be used as both a fun activity and a therapeutic tool. Each page encourages reflection, creativity, and discussion, making it an excellent resource for families who want to build stronger, safer relationships together. Whether used in classrooms, counseling sessions, or at the kitchen table, this coloring book helps children understand that home should always be a place of safety, love, and respect.   Available at Dr. Beth Robinson's Website

How Do I Adapt EMDR Within a Christian Worldview? As Christian mental health professionals, we are called to integrate evidence-based therapeutic interventions with deep theological integrity. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the most effective trauma treatments available, but many Christian clinicians wrestle with how to use it ethically while maintaining a Christ-centered framework. This post explores how Christian counselors can adapt EMDR to align with biblical convictions, theological soundness, and clinical best practices. Understanding EMDR Clinically EMDR, developed by Francine Shapiro, is an eight-phase, trauma-focused therapy based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. It uses bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements, tapping) to help clients reprocess distressing memories that are "stuck" in the brain (Shapiro, 2018). This process facilitates access to adaptive memory networks and supports emotional healing by reducing the vividness, emotional charge, and cognitive distortions of traumatic memories. Why EMDR Can Fit a Christian Framework Although EMDR was not developed from a Christian worldview, it does not contradict biblical theology when used with discernment. It provides a structured framework to help clients reprocess painful experiences. As Jones and Butman (2011) emphasize, Christian integration of psychotherapy involves evaluating the underlying worldview, not just the method. Ways to Integrate EMDR Within a Christian Worldview ✔ 1. Invite Jesus into the Memory (Modified Ego State Work) Instead of bringing in a future or current version of the client for support, invite them (if spiritually open) to picture Jesus Himself entering the memory—bringing comfort, strength, and healing. Ask: “What would it be like to invite Jesus into that scene with you?” Process: “What do you see Him doing?” Transition: Invite the client to picture Jesus taking the pain, trauma, or shame from them, and giving back something like peace, hope, or truth. This adaptation honors both EMDR’s model and the redemptive work of Christ. ✔ 2. Use Scripture in Resourcing and Installation Phases In phases where clients develop calming imagery or positive beliefs, they can install biblical truths such as: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) “Nothing can separate me from the love of God” (Romans 8:38–39) These truths can serve as adaptive cognition targets in Phase 5 (Installation). ✔ 3. Frame EMDR as a Means of Renewing the Mind Romans 12:2 reminds us to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind.” EMDR is one tool God may use to bring that renewal. Exegetical Support for Integration 📖 Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” R.C. Sproul notes that metamorphousthe (transformed) indicates a complete inner change through divine intervention, not self-effort. Alistair Begg explains that true transformation includes cognitive and emotional renewal that aligns with the mind of Christ. This transformation is not superficial—it is the kind that EMDR, in God’s hands, can help facilitate as traumatic beliefs are replaced with truth. 📖 2 Corinthians 10:5 – “We take every thought captive to obey Christ.” According to H.A. Ironside, Paul is urging the believer to surrender mental strongholds to Christ’s authority. In EMDR, distorted thoughts about self-worth, identity, and safety can be "taken captive" and reprocessed under Christ’s truth. 📖 Hebrews 13:5 – “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” R. Kent Hughes notes that this promise echoes Old Testament covenants and reveals the ever-present nature of God, even in suffering. During EMDR sessions, clients may recall times of feeling abandoned. This verse helps root them in a theological truth: God was present, even if it wasn’t felt. Ethical Considerations for Faith Integration ✅ Always obtain informed consent before integrating Scripture, imagery, or prayer. ✅ Let the client lead: Never assume spiritual openness. ✅ Keep it theologically sound: Avoid spiritualizing trauma or promoting shame-based healing. Top EMDR Resources (Insert your Amazon affiliate links in the placeholder areas below) 📘 Getting Past Your Past by Francine Shapiro – Buy from Amazon 📘 EMDR: The Breakthrough Therapy for Overcoming Anxiety, Stress, and Trauma – Buy from Amazon 📘 EMDR Made Simple by Jamie Marich – Buy from Amazon 🖥️ EMDRIA-Approved Basic Training – https://www.emdria.org 🖥️ Advanced Christian-Informed EMDR Trainings – [Insert Link to Any You Recommend] Conclusion EMDR, when practiced ethically and with spiritual sensitivity, can become a vessel of God’s healing grace. The method itself is not opposed to Christian theology. With informed consent and clinical competence, Christian therapists can walk with clients through their trauma—and even invite Christ into the healing process. Healing doesn’t come from methods alone—but when the method meets the Master, transformation begins. References Jones, S. L., & Butman, R. E. (2011). Modern psychotherapies: A comprehensive Christian appraisal (2nd ed.). IVP Academic. (Buy from Amazon) Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press. (Buy from Amazon) Sproul, R. C. (2009). The Book of Romans: Righteousness in Christ. Crossway. (Buy from Amazon) Hughes, R. K. (1993). Hebrews: An Anchor for the Soul (Preaching the Word). Crossway. (Buy from Amazon) Ironside, H. A. (1947). Addresses on the Second Epistle to the Corinthians. Loizeaux Brothers. (Buy from Amazon) Begg, A. (2011). Pathway to Freedom: How God's Laws Guide Our Lives. Moody Publishers. (Buy from Amazon) AI Disclosure This blog post was created with the assistance of AI technology to ensure accuracy, thorough research, and clarity. While the content reflects a blend of machine efficiency and human oversight, readers are encouraged to consult professional ethical guidelines and faith-based counseling resources for further guidance.