Today, I speak with Ann Simmons and Brenda Stewart about the importance and power of finding a safe community to share your hard story.  I don't know what kind of story you're carrying around in your heart, soul, and body.  But I know that if you have not yet found a safe place to share that story, or if you are still weighed down with shame and feel like you need to find a safe place, listen in to today's episode.  It's for you.

Click here to watch on YouTube.

We Discuss:
•  Why women today feel so lonely and disconnected while living in the most “connected” time in history.
•  The power of community in healing.
•  Obstacles we face in finding or creating a safe community.
•  How to move away from shame and into freedom.
•  A message for those who have been shamed or silenced in the past.
•  Scripture that supports the power of community.
•  Our experience working at a “trauma intensive” weekend for women and how the participants experienced healing in community.

Resources mentioned:
Learn more about the Hope Restored Intensive
Visit Samson’s Instagram: @the_handsome_boston

More about Ann Simmons:
After spending many years at home with her children, Ann returned to school in 2010. She completed a bachelor’s in human services and went on to get a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of South Carolina. After obtaining her clinical license, Ann opened a solo private practice for a couple of years and then opened a group practice called Upstate Restorative Counseling in 2021. She has experience working with individuals who have a history of trauma and is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Constructed Awareness. Ann and her husband, Scott, have been married for 26 years and are the proud parents of 3 children. Kathryn is 25 years old, Sarah is 23 years old, and Luke is 20 years old.

More about Brenda Stewart:
Brenda Stewart holds a MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Louisiana. She is a Certified EMDR therapist, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor  and a Nationally Certified Counselor.  She is the founder of Wellspring Therapy Associates, a clinically sound, faith based practice in the Orlando area. She specializes in working with clients who struggle with trauma, eating disorders and anxiety. Brenda also provides coaching and consultation to individuals, small groups, and organizations on the prevention and recovery of compassion fatigue and burnout. 

Brenda’s additional training and certifications include EMDR, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Compassion Fatigue Educator, and Compassion Fatigue Therapist. She is a published author in Career Counseling textbooks and has presented at various professional conferences on topics including compassion fatigue, grief, infertility, spirituality in distance supervision, and the impact of childhood sexual abuse on adult relationship patterns. She has also appeared on multiple podcasts and conducted webinars for Jay Johnson Ministries and for parents of foster care children.  Brenda is passionate about helping others heal and imparts hope to her clients throughout the therapy process.

Connect with Ann:
Email: ann@upstaterestorativecounseling.com
Website: https://upstaterestorativecounseling.com/

Connect with Brenda:
Email: brenda@wellspring.email
Website: https://www.wellspringtherapyassociates.com/

Book Recs:
Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools: An Invitation to the Wonder and Mystery of Prayer by Tyler Staton 
Changes That Heal: Four Practical Steps to a Happier, Healthier You by Dr. Henry Cloud
Breath as Prayer: Calm Your Anxiety, Focus Your Mind, and Renew Your Soul by Jennifer Tucker

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Music: Home (Inspirational And Uplifting Acoustic Guitar) by Daniel Carrizalez

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