"Forgiveness & Reconciliation after Trauma" Webinar Recording

When confession (the sacrament of reconciliation) is practiced safely and responsibly, it helps us heal from the corrosive damage of sin. However, when it is misused to coerce or shame others--or when we have had pas experiences that make it difficult to feel safe with a confessor--it can cause lifelong spiritual damage.

This webinar explores confession from the trauma-informed paradigm, first to help both clergy and survivors first avoid causing harm; and second to better integrate this vital sacrament into to journey of healing from both sin and trauma.

Being able to turn toward Christ in the midst of our recovery journey takes us to the source of healing, and it is my prayer that this talk helps those who struggle take one step closer to Him.

Who this webinar is especially intended for:

• Survivors of trauma who struggle to participate in the sacrament of confession, particularly those who have been wounded by clergy;
• Clergy and confessors seeking to gain tools and insight to better serve others who may have a history of trauma or other wounding life experiences;

What you'll learn:

• How and why trauma can complicate our ability to participate in the sacrament of reconciliation;
• Common ways confession is misunderstood or misused in Orthodox contexts, and what you can do about it;
• Practical strategies to help both confessors and penitents to help cultivate confession as a safe and healing space, while also remaining faithful to Orthodox tradition.

What you'll receive:

• Streaming access to the 1.5-hr webinar
• Access to my slides for easier viewing
• A document with resources and sources mentioned in the webinar

I am grateful at several points in the webinar to be joined by Fr. Leonard Herrem, an OCA priest who also serves as a marriage and family therapist. Fr. Leonard speaks informally to some of the issues at hand from a practicing priest's perspective.

This webinar was originally presented in October 2022 as part of a four-part series dealing with spiritual practices for Orthodox trauma survivors.

DISCLAIMER: I examine these issues as a certified trauma-informed coach and am not a licensed mental health practitioner. These learning sessions are not intended to replace pastoral care or spiritual direction.