The British Union Conference (BUC) Women’s Ministries Department celebrates Adventist women who are positively impacting their communities. In this feature, we highlight Joanna Daniel, Trauma-Informed Counsellor, whose work was recognised in the Trans-European Division’s General Conference Session Report 2025.
SPM – Joanna, what inspired you to pursue a career in counselling?
JD – I often say I was called to counselling – it wasn’t part of my original plan. During my social work training, I was introduced to counselling and immediately loved it. Completing Level 3 in Counselling gave me the tools to listen well, and that set me on my path.
SPM – How did you sense God’s leading?
JD – I see His leading in the doors He opens – opportunities to speak in places I could never arrange myself, or the resources to write words that touch people’s struggles. Each time this happens, I am in awe and grateful that I get to do this work.
SPM – You also have expertise in Safeguarding. Tell us about that.
JD – Alongside social work, I worked as a practice teacher, assessing trainee social workers across Yorkshire and the Midlands. This gave me insight into safeguarding policies across different local authorities, and how these intersect with real-life experiences of those who have been hurt.
Years of listening to victims taught me the need for safety and the importance of creating environments where people feel protected. Safeguarding isn’t only about policy – it’s about protecting dignity and recognising that every individual matters to God and deserves safety.
SPM – Last year, you co-authored the EnditNow abuse awareness package. What message did you hope people would take away?
JD – It was a privilege to contribute. My key message was simple: Jesus cares. I wanted that one person in church who is silently hurting to know they are seen and not alone. The message ‘Go Find My Sheep’ reminds us that their pain matters deeply to Him. When the Church responds with compassion and accountability, it becomes the safe place of hope and healing that Jesus intended.
SPM – How do you view the Church’s response to allegations of abuse, and what would you recommend?
JD – A key challenge is the tension between protecting the Church’s reputation and protecting individuals. Too often, image comes before people. Many leaders also feel unprepared – sometimes due to lack of training, sometimes fear of getting it wrong.
I recommend ongoing safeguarding training for leaders and members. Leaders especially must recognise signs of abuse and understand cycles of harm so they can respond promptly and appropriately.
We also need survivor-centred reporting pathways, with mandatory, regularly refreshed training for leaders. Clear timelines for handling allegations, alongside a trauma-informed approach, would help ensure victims feel supported rather than forced to leave their church homes.
Most importantly, we need a culture of openness where people feel safe to speak, and where the priority shifts from “protecting the Church” to being the Church that protects.
SPM – Can you share a success story of someone who has overcome trauma and thrived?
JD – One woman who completed our programme now works alongside our ministry, helping facilitate a support group for women healing from domestic abuse. Others have found healing and gone on to pursue education, careers, or healthier family lives.
We also run a thriving book club with up to 40 participants. It has become a place of connection, empathy, and healing. One member even started a book club in her own church, recreating that safe, supportive space. True healing flows outward, transforming other lives and communities too.
SPM – What key message would you leave with our readers about trauma recovery?
JD – The most important message is that trauma does not have the final word. What you’ve been through does not define you. No matter how deep the wound, healing is possible.
Our ministry is grounded in Isaiah 53:4-5, which reminds us that Jesus carried our griefs and sorrows. Healing enables people to reclaim their voice, worth, and future – because in Christ, restoration is always possible.
SPM – Thank you, Joanna, for sharing your journey and for the transformative impact of your ministry. May God continue to bless your work.