When the Church Gets It Right: How Abuse Survivors Actually Heal

What does it actually look like when the Church gets it right for survivors of abuse?In this powerful episode of Hey Tabi, licensed trauma therapist and coercive control expert Tabitha Westbrook sits down with Dawn Jones, founder of Restored to Thrive, a church-based ministry supporting women healing from domestic abuse/coercive control, and relational trauma.So often, abuse survivors experience silence, minimization, or spiritual bypassing in church spaces. But this conversation offers something different: a real-life example of a church that chose survivors over systems—and the healing that followed.Together, Tabitha and Dawn talk openly about:How coercive control and emotional abuse show up in Christian marriagesWhy traditional marriage counseling can be dangerous in abusive relationshipsWhat abuse survivors actually need from pastors and church leadersHow safe, trauma-informed church communities foster real healingThe life-saving impact of being believed, supported, and protected🔗 Resources Mentioned:Leslie Vernick – The Emotionally Destructive Marriage, https://leslievernick.com/Called to Peace Ministries, https://calledtopeace.org/National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.): 1-800-799-7233Wanna 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/ Join a vibrant community that takes you deeper into topics with a private podcast feed available on your fave podcast platform, helpful tools served right to your inbox, and quarterly Zoom calls to bring it all together! Learn more and join now -  https://thejourneyandtheprocess.com/upcoming-events-groups/trauma-healing-support-online/  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 ControlWanna 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.comSubscribe to our YouTube Channel & watch podcast episodes there🚨 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.