Regain Lent 2025: 6-Week Group Coaching Program

Struggling with Spiritual Despondency This Lent?

Does Great Lent bring up feelings of exhaustion, restlessness, or spiritual malaise? Do you find yourself longing for deeper meaning but feeling too distracted or overwhelmed to pursue it? Have the ongoing stressors of life and the broader world left you feeling spiritually stagnant? Would you like to explore the themes of my book, Time and Despondency in a more guided, supportive community?

You’re not alone.

Despondency (akedia in Greek) is an ancient yet ever-present struggle—one that often appears as boredom, apathy, procrastination, or a quiet but persistent discouragement. It deadens our care for what matters most, including our spiritual lives.

I’ve wrestled with despondency for years, which led me to write Time and Despondency: Regaining the Present in Faith and Life. More than five years, a global pandemic, and many life upheavals later, the book’s wisdom is more relevant than ever—not just for me, but for many others.

That’s why I’m inviting you to join Regain Lent, a 6-week group coaching program designed to help you explore despondency in a personal, meaningful way—gently, intentionally, and with support.

Disclaimer: This program is not a substitute for mental health or medical treatment from a licensed professional. It is also not intended to replace pastoral care or lived participation in a real-life church community.  

Program Details

• WHEN: March 3 - April 12, 2025 (Ends the week prior to Holy Week)
  • Monday night cohort: Mondays 7:30 - 9PM EST~ OR ~
  • Tuesday afternoon cohort: Tuesdays 2:00 - 3:30 PM EST
  • (Please indicate which cohort you would like to be in when registering)

Because the dates of Easter between churches of the East and West are the same this year, this program aligns with the dates of Lent for both calendars.

• WHERE: Online via Zoom and a private Discord server 
• COST: CD$75/ ~$US50 (Book not included—please purchase separately)
• EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: Use code EarlyRegain25 by end of day February 24 to get 10% off!

Community Guidelines (Regula Communitatis)

To build a safe, supportive, and growth-oriented space for all participants, this program follows these Community Guidelines.

What You’ll Experience in REGAIN

• A guided, structured reading journey through Time and Despondency, with weekly themes aligned with Orthodox Great Lent.
• Weekly group coaching sessions (90 minutes) to reflect, learn, and gain encouragement.
• A dedicated workbook to help deepen your insights and personalize your experience.
• A private online community for connection and support between sessions.
• A trauma-informed approach that honors your journey and emphasizes safety, compassion, and growth.

This Is Not a “Lent Bootcamp”

Healing from despondency isn’t about trying harder or forcing spiritual progress. This program is designed to help you cultivate attentiveness—learning to dwell more peacefully with God, yourself, and the present moment.

As a certified trauma-informed coach, I create a space that fosters safety, freedom, and meaningful connection. True transformation happens not through shame or pressure, but through compassionate curiosity, honesty, and the grace of Christ.

What You’ll Receive

• Weekly 90-minute live coaching sessions (with replays available)
• Access to recordings of all sessions for the duration of the program
• A printable workbook to guide your reflections and progress
• Option to participate in a private online community for connection and discussion

What You’ll Need

• A copy of Time and Despondency 📖 Order your copy here or anywhere you get books 
• Reliable internet access for Zoom and the online coaching platform
• A way to view or print the program workbook
• About one hour per week for reading and reflection

What Others Have Said…

“The workbook, the Time and Despondency book, group facilitation, engagement with group members—this is one of the best experiences I have had. Thank you!”

“I felt more at peace this Lent than before because of this program.”

“This program has helped me let go of the blame I've stockpiled for others and myself. It’s helped me slow down in life and especially prayers and become more in tune with what is going on in my physical body as well as spiritual life.”

“Your program has strengthened my ability to accept feelings and let them pass rather than fighting and trying to control, using tools such as prayer, gratitude, acceptance to persevere through difficult feelings/moods.”

“I appreciated reading the book again, being challenged by the workbook questions, and always enjoyed the discussions on the Zoom meetings. It was wonderful to hear from Nicole and all who shared.”

“What I valued most was everything. You gave so many helpful examples and direction. Thank you.”

“This was so well done—I’ll keep recommending your work to others.”

Source: Anonymous feedback from past coaching clients.

FAQ

Who is this program for?
Orthodox Christians or liturgically minded Christians looking to meaningfully engage with the spiritual sickness of despondency during Lent.

Do I need to have read Time and Despondency beforehand?
No! Whether you’re reading it for the first time or revisiting it, this program will help you apply it more deeply.

What if I miss a session?
No problem! Recordings will be available for you to watch later.

Will I have to participate or show my face?
Nope! Participation is encouraged but not required. You can engage in the way that feels most comfortable to you.

Can I join with a spouse, friend, or parish book group?
Each person needs to register individually to ensure fair access to content and group sessions.

Where will the program be hosted?
Registration is through Gumroad, and the program will be hosted via Zoom with an option to connect with others through Discord in between sessions. 

What are your coaching credentials?
I’m a certified trauma-informed coach (Moving the Human Spirit, ICF-accredited) and hold a PhD in European History with a minor in Church History. My coaching work focuses on trauma recovery, spiritual trauma, and creative coaching for writers and artists.

Meet Your Coach

Hi, I’m Nicole M. Roccas—author of Time and Despondency, certified trauma-informed coach, and facilitator of the Regain Lent program.

For years, writing has been my way of making sense of the world’s pain and beauty. My books, podcast, and coaching work center on the human experience—its struggles, joys, and longing for healing in Christ. My personal journey has led me through the realities of trauma and the challenges of creative work amid suffering.

I developed Regain in response to the many readers who have reached out, seeking a way to engage with Time and Despondency on a deeper level. This program is my way of walking alongside you on that journey.

I’d love for you to join us this Lent.

About Time and Despondency

Despondency (akedia) is a condition as old as Christian monasticism—marked by restlessness, boredom, distraction, and disengagement from the present moment. Today, it thrives in an age of anxiety, busyness, and digital overwhelm.

Time and Despondency weaves together ancient wisdom, spiritual memoir, and practical insights to explore how our relationship with time influences our spiritual struggles. It offers hope, not as a quick fix, but as a path back to Christ in the here and now.

📖 Order your copy here and prepare for a Lent of renewal and rediscovery.