Church Trauma, Squirrels and Hot Yoga

In this episode, we interview Randa Lamb and hear her story of experiencing trauma at the hands of a church's leadership. We discuss the damage that can happen when trust is broken in a spiritual community. Randa describes what healing & connection have looked like for her since this happened, including her struggle to trust church & the question of where God is in it all. Our hope is that Randa's story helps those who've experienced church-related trauma. (See below for several resources that may help in processing trauma.)

Please contact Kevin and Paul with questions, comments or topic requests for the podcast: cforconnection@gmail.com. If you have a story of isolation and connection with God or church, we'd love to hear it.

This episode is sponsored by WellSpring Process Groups. If you'd like space to journey with a supportive group who will help you process whatever you're facing in life, sign up today for a process group with WellSpring. Paul and his associates facilitate these 12-week, online support groups that are based on biblical principles & the research of Christian psychologist, John Townsend. Use the link below to contact WellSpring today.

WellSpring Interest Form

WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

 

Podcast Music written and produced by Cheyenne Medders: Cheyenne Medders Official

 

Mentions & Resources

Resources

On Trauma & Church Trauma (note: we have not read all of these resources):

My Grandmother's Hands: a book about recovering from racial trauma.

Sacred Wounds: A Path to Healing from Spiritual Trauma: includes healing exercises.

Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church

The Body Keeps the Score: how trauma impacts the mind and body.

Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse: Creating Healthy Christian Cultures: for Christian leaders to consider.

- If you've experienced church trauma, consider seeking out a trauma-informed counselor or spiritual director. 

RIP Professor Quirrell:

Yoga:

- Trauma-sensitive Yoga?

- The benefits of Hot Yoga

- Frozen Yoga or Snowga

For Counseling Needs & Training:

- Dr. Shelby's counseling: Renew Christian Counseling (renewmystory.com)

- Harding University Professional Counseling Program: https://www.harding.edu/academics/colleges-departments/education/graduate-programs/mental-health-wellness-programs/clinical-mental-health-counseling#

- The Townsend Institute: Townsend Institute - Dr. John Townsend (drtownsend.com)

To find community in whatever you're struggling with:

- Celebrate Recovery (find a group): Celebrate Recovery Locator Map (crgroups.info)

To explore Christian faith or to learn how you or your church can better share faith:

- Alpha Course