Honoring the sacredness of story.
“Thank you for helping me understand trauma better. This was definitely the first time I could really put together how my physical body and my emotional and spiritual self were all intertwined in the healing of my past.”
— Participant
“Ten women. All carrying such deep wounds for so long. Several of us were not young, and life has not been kind. Gentle testimonies. Tearful recitations of seasons of deep, complex pain. And so much Jesus. Each of us, hanging to the hem of his robe praying it would be enough to sustain, to heal, to bring hope when the cost had already been so high.”
— Read more of Kristi’s testimony here
“I was surprised at how well we were able to connect in an online setting. I learned a lot and it helped to hear other women talk about their pain because I didn’t feel so alone. The content provided was powerful and meaningful. I also feel a great sense of hope that my pain doesn’t have to define who I am. It is a part of my story but it is not all of my story. Difficult topics were handled with love and care in this group. Melissa is truly gifted in leading with love and Truth. I feel blessed that God brought me here.”
— Participant
ReStoried Support Groups
Have you experienced a hurtful background, characterized by abuses of power and authority? Maybe your story has been marked by severe emotional or spiritual distress. Perhaps there is remaining confusion, anger, or sorrow. When we are mistreated or harmed by those intended to love and care for us, the ripple effects can be devastating. How do we learn to see God as he truly is, and see ourselves in the light of what he says about us?
What do we do with lingering pain and doubts? How can we move from a place of hurt to a place of healing, from feeling stuck to growing in hope?
ReStoried Group Distinctives
Who are Restoried groups for?
Melissa has developed the ReStoried content from a Christ-centered theological framework and clinically informed perspective, giving careful consideration to the varieties of backgrounds represented in the groups. Instruction and group discussion seeks to honor the dignity of participants as embodied souls in need of a whole-person approach to care.
The ReStoried model is intended for a particular season in the life of the person who has experienced abuse and/or the impact of trauma. These groups are not intended for those who want to learn more about abuse or trauma, or how to help those who have experienced abuse. The groups are not for engaging in "talk therapy,” obtaining help to flee an abusive relationship, or finding specialized therapeutic treatments.
ReStoried facilitators and counselors do not provide clinical diagnoses to group participants, nor do they offer specific guidance related to medical or legal aspects of participant situations. Group facilitators are not resourced to offer assistance with acute trauma or crisis needs.
What are the technical requirements and time commitment?
Unless attending an in-person offering of ReStoried, participants will need access to a device with audio and video capability from which they can access Zoom. We also utilize Google Classrooms for sharing pre-discussion video content links, suggested resources, and offering additional space to connect with one another.
In order to foster a shared commitment to community within the group, participants commit to be present for a minimum of six out of eight live discussion times. All participants are also required to watch a 40-minute recorded video each month prior to the live discussion meeting. There are no refunds of fees for absences or dropping out of the group.
ReStoried participants commit to safeguard healthy community by listening compassionately and contributing as they are comfortable. We guard the safety of our space by honoring the boundaries of other group members. Participants are required to affirm these specific commitments on the ReStoried Commitment Form.