MY STORY AND PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY

I am Vilia Y Reynolds, a Certified Trauma Incident Reduction Facilitator, Christian Trauma Intervention Practitioner, Learning and Development Practitioner, Educator and Trainer, Researcher and Lifelong Learner.

My work is rooted in my faith in Jesus Christ and my conviction that every person has dignity, capacity, and a story that deserves compassionate attention. Compassion and mercy are central to my calling. Together with leadership, teaching, and exhortation, they shape how I serve.

MY TRAUMA JOURNEY

My work in trauma counselling and coaching is not only professional; it is also deeply personal.

In 2008, I experienced a traumatic health crisis that changed the course of my life. Trauma affected more than my circumstances. It affected how I felt, how I functioned, how I understood myself, and at times, my ability to experience the fullness of love, peace, joy, and hope.

I learnt that one cannot simply tell a traumatised person to “wear love” when their inner world has been affected by pain. Healing had to take place from the inside out. I needed time, faith, support, renewed understanding and the courage to face what trauma had left behind.

Through God’s grace, I began to recover. I learnt to uncover patterns, beliefs and unresolved experiences that had kept parts of my life out of alignment. I then began to rediscover my capacity, my calling, my gifts, and the fuller person God had created me to be.

FROM LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT TO TRAUMA WORK

My professional background is in learning and development. I also gained experience in community care, including a safe-house context and work alongside vulnerable children. These experiences taught me that compassion alone is not enough when a person is carrying trauma. People need safe, respectful support and an approach that recognises both their pain and their potential.

A pastoral psychologist introduced me to Applied Metapsychology and encouraged me to study it. At that time, I understood myself primarily as a learning and development practitioner rather than a trauma practitioner.

During the COVID-19 period, I accepted the opportunity to begin specialised trauma-related training. That decision shaped my work. It brought together my background in learning and development with a sustained focus on trauma-related healing, life stress, renewed capacity and personal growth.

MY PROFESSIONAL APPROACH

I am a Certified Trauma Incident Reduction Facilitator. My continuing professional development includes Applied Metapsychology training in Trauma Incident Reduction and Expanded Application, as well as Trauma Incident Reduction for Children, Life Stress Reduction, Crisis Schema, Schema Life Coaching, and Ability Enhancement Curriculum.

Applied Metapsychology strengthened my appreciation for structured, person-centred facilitation and for addressing healing from the inside out. I personally facilitate the Applied Metapsychology-informed trauma work offered through CRCTC, Camphor Resilience Centre for Trauma Training, Counselling and Consultation, within my training and certified scope, which I established in January 2025.

I have received meaningful encouragement and support from colleagues within AMPI, the United States-based Applied Metapsychology Institute and TIRA, Trauma Incident Reduction Association, of which I am a member and listed as the only Professional Trauma Practitioner Certified in Trauma Incident Reduction in the Free State, South Africa. I am also a member of TIRASA, the South African leg of TIRA.   I am continuing my studies to further my certification in additional techniques and the trainer pathway.

Supervised interns or collaborators may facilitate other services and programmes at the Centre. Each person works only within their own training and role, under my supervision, and within the appropriate scope of CRCTC practices. This distinction helps clients understand who is providing their service and which approach is being used.

FAITH AND THE WARDROBE OF LOVE

My personal journey gave new meaning to Colossians 3 and its invitation to put off what no longer belongs and to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, peace and, above all, love.

The Wardrobe of Love represents this journey. Its uneven feet remind us that trauma, loss and unfair experiences can leave life feeling out of alignment. The heart at the Centre represents God’s love at the Centre of healing and renewal. The hat represents what a person carries forward: a renewed mind, a more integrated identity and a way of living that becomes part of everyday life.

LovePatch Trauma Counselling grew from the understanding that trauma can make it difficult for a person to experience God’s love, receive love from others or wear love themselves. LovePatch is not a quick fix or a superficial covering placed over pain. It is a compassionate, structured space where healing, insight, and renewed capacity can begin to grow from the inside out.

CONTINUING STUDY AND RESEARCH

I am finalising a Master’s degree in Christian Counselling. My present research is centred on Colossians 3:1–17 and the movement between “putting off” and “putting on,” considered in relation to trauma-related change, post-traumatic growth and spiritual well-being within Christian counselling.

My ongoing studies in Christian Counselling and Applied Metapsychology reflect my commitment to responsible practice, lifelong learning and the thoughtful development of services and programmes.

WHY I CONTINUE THIS WORK

I have stepped away from one season of formal employment, but not from purpose. In the spirit of ikigai—a reason for being—I continue to function in the gifts, talents and calling entrusted to me.

I do not believe that one person can rescue another. I do believe that compassionate presence, skilled facilitation, appropriate professional boundaries and a renewed relationship with God can create room for healing, clarity and growth.

From this place of faith, compassion, professional training, and lived experience, I serve through Camphor Resilience Centre for Trauma Training, Consultation, Counselling and Coaching.