What role does storytelling play in trauma recovery? And what happens when the trauma occurs inside the church?

In this episode of Hey Tabi, I sit down with Dr. Ann Maree Goudzwaard—biblical counselor, domestic abuse advocate, and founder of Help[H]er Ministries—to talk about trauma, spiritual abuse, coercive control, and the healing power of telling the truth.

Drawing from her experience interviewing survivors, Dr. Goudzwaard shares why story is not just therapeutic, it’s transformational. We explore how spiritual abuse hides in church culture, why many pastors are undertrained in abuse dynamics, and how churches can respond with wisdom, courage, and compassion.

Connect with Dr. Ann Maree Goudzwaard and Help[H]er Ministries:
🌿 Website: https://helpher.help/
🛍 Shop Resources (including the cool journal devotionals): https://helpher.help/shop/
🎙 Safe to Hope Podcast: https://helpher.help/podcast-2/

Wanna say hi? Send a text!

At The Journey and The Process we strive to help you heal. Our therapists are trauma specialists who use evidence-based tools like EMDR, Brainspotting, Somatic Experiencing, and Internal Family Systems to help you heal - mind, soul, and body. Reach out today to start your healing journey. https://thejourneyandtheprocess.com/

 This book is for every Christian woman who has been harmed sexually, whether that happened in childhood, adulthood, or even within your coercive controlling marriage, and you're longing to feel safe in your body again. We talk about the hard stuff, shame, desire, faith, and even questions like, is this sin or is this trauma?

You don't have to untangle it alone. Body & Soul, Healed & Whole is for you. Get a copy here today - https://a.co/d/8Jo3Z4V

👍 If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share to help others who need this information!

📖 Order Body & Soul, Healed & Whole: An Invitational Guide to Healthy Sexuality After Trauma, Abuse, and Coercive Control

Wanna support Hey Tabi? Buy me a coffee here - https://buymeacoffee.com/heytabi

📩 Connect with Tabitha & The Journey and The Process:
💻 Tabitha's Website - www.tabithawestbrook.com
📲 Tabitha's Instagram - www.instagram.com/tabithathecounselor
🎙️ Podcast Homepage - https://heytabi.buzzsprout.com

💻 The Journey & The Process Website - www.thejourneyandtheprocess.com

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🚨 Disclaimer: This podcast is not therapy and is intended for educational purposes only. If you're in crisis or need therapy, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional.

Need to know how to find a great therapist? Read this blog post here.