ONLINE SEMINAR SERIES

Beginning October 1st: Understanding Abuse Dynamics & Symptoms

This 6-month seminar series will deepen your understanding of how psychology and theology intersect around crucial clinical topics central to our faith and our world.

Diablos & Harm: How We Survive through Betrayal

Oct 1, 2025: 5:00-7:30 PM MST on Zoom

Our word diabolical is taken from the root word DIABLOS, meaning to throw apart. This illuminates how huamnity survives harm through betrayal. In this seminar we’ll examine historical examples of how trauma tempts people to betray ourselves and one another. Understanding the dynamics of oppression empowers us to address the shame of powerlessness in our stories and see the significance of our battles in the world.  

Patriarchy: Why We All Suffer

Oct 15, 2025: 5:00-7:30 PM MST on Zoom

At the heart of gender inequity is the oppressive structure of patriarchy. Understanding what patriarchy is and how it operates exposes the reality that it is hurting ALL of us. Addressing patriarchy’s assumptions about who it benefits and its rules frees us to live out our innate design regardless of how we identify and express our gender.

Choiceless Choices: Surviving Caregiver Harm (Nov 5, 2025)

God as Witness (not Perpetrator or Bystander) (Nov 19, 2025)

The Middle Space of Trauma: Living Between Death & Life (Dec 3, 2025)

Relational Triangles: How We Cope with Anxiety (Dec 17, 2025)

Structures of Tyranny & The Evangelical Family Model (Jan 21, 2026)

Seeking Rest: Dissociation, Addictions & Self-Harm (Feb 4, 2026)

The Fawn Response: How it Becomes Chronic (Feb 25, 2026)

Biblical Women Surviving Oppression: Abigail, Ruth, Tamar & Lot’s Daughters (Mar 11, 2026)

Borderline Mothering: Rage & Covert Sexual Abuse (Mar 25, 2026)

Interoception: Losing & Recovering Access to Our Bodies (Apr 8, 2026)

FALL BOOK GROUPS

Two upcoming opportunities to journey with others and explore my book Banished to Freedom.

FORMAT:

Online, 2 hours, 8 participants

DATES:

Wednesdays @ 8am MST: Sept 10-Oct 15

Tuesdays @ 6pm MST: Oct 14-Nov 18

COST:

$450 for 6 sessions

Key Discussion Questions:

What is our relational history with the Bible?

What if we imaginatively used our stories to read the scriptures?

How can we feel seen and heard by the Lord in stories of oppression?

In what ways do we live in the middle space of trauma?

How can the betrayal of banishment lead us to freedom?

What does it mean to imagine our flourishing?

Purchase your copy and register today!

Mother’s Day: “difficult for so many reasons”

The most embarrassing thing about following my young adults on social media is how often I succumb to trendy advertising. The latest was Pura’s bluetooth room diffusers and though I consider them overpriced I’m “obsessed” with this company for one main reason.

Two weeks ago Pura sent out an email giving me the choice to opt out of Mother’s Day advertisements. I was perplexed, grateful and a bit astonished. This very simple act of care has brought to mind so many people who find Mother’s Day emotional tumultuous. Whether it’s a strained relationship, adoption journey, premature death or simply feeling misunderstood by the person we most expect to get us, so many of us experience this day as salt in a wound.

In the spirit of Pura’s email, I’m offering a simple, nurturing and collective time to gather in recognition of what is often unacknowledged in our culture—the grief of feeling disconnected from our mother. Our time together will be based on Jan Richardson’s poem Blessing for Falling into a New Layer of Grief with opportunity for reflection and regulation as we focus on these words: ache, kindness, provision, solace and shelter.

This virtual 30-40 minute time won’t require any personal explanation for attending. There will be 2-3 times participants will be invited to respond (via voice or the chat) with a word that reflects a thought or feeling but even this will be optional. My hope is those who attend leave feeling centered, seen and resourced for whatever may surface on Sunday May 11th. Feel free to share this with anyone you know.

When: Saturday evening May 10th @ 7pm MST

Cost: none

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7205487165

“Recognizing what you had and what you lost directs the path toward reclaiming what you need.”

from Mother Hunger by Kelly McDaniel

Apple Books Release

Beginning today Banished to Freedom is available on Apple Books! Share the news with anyone you know will be blessed by a deeper telling of God’s love and care for the dehumanized, abused and cast out. Book groups begin May 6th and my course launches October 8th. For more details go to the Groups & Courses page.