Who is Tami and What is Coaching for Religious Harm?

If you are reading this, hello! I’m so glad you found me on the world wide web! Okay, now that I've called it the "world wide web," you also know I'm a Millennial (who sounds a bit like a Boomer). Also, congratulations on having an attention span long enough to read a blog. If you don’t know me yet, you may be asking yourself, “Who the heck is Tami and what is she about? Can she help me? Will she understand me?” Great questions . . . 

Who is Tami? 

I am a Minnesota-raised, former evangelical Christian (now Agnostic, I suppose), living in the Pacific Northwest with my partner and three kids. I value authenticity, growth, nature, adventure, and relationships. I’m a natural empath, intuitive, creative, and free spirit (although, let’s be real, under the daily demands of motherhood I have to fight for the free spirited part). I enjoy physical challenges - like walking the Camino in Spain later this month, or training for triathlons. The more I age, the more I appreciate gentleness and rest as well, both physically and emotionally. I feel at home among trees and water. I love to travel and learn from different cultures. I’m also very content with the simple beauty in life, like witnessing a leaf changing colors in autumn. 

Can she help me?

Professionally, I’ve been a practicing mental health therapist for over 15 years. 6 years ago, I launched my coaching business for anyone recovering from religious harm. I know, from lived experience, how long and isolating deconstructing faith and losing one’s community can be.

Coaching is a virtual space where you can receive emotional support while you unravel and heal from harmful religious experiences. Coaching (instead of therapy) allows me to work with folks across state lines. This is helpful if you don't know many open-minded religious trauma specialists, like myself. If you have been harmed by your church group, a spiritual authority figure, or your parents and family, and it’s still impacting you, I can help. Whether you need someone to listen with non-judgment as you share your story, or you feel “stuck” in old patterns/beliefs, and want a safe person to talk with and actually feel better, I can support you. I utilize IFS (Internal Family Systems) and SE (Somatic Experiencing) with my clients. 

Will she understand me? 

I love the work I do. It’s like speaking the same language as my clients because I have lived experience with high control religion. That being said, every person’s story is unique. I take time to listen to both your words and what’s behind your words, always check in to see if I’m understanding correctly, am open to redirection, and view you as the expert on your life. My clients tell me they feel seen, understood, and safe with me. 

If you’re curious about coaching with me, sign up here for a free 20 minute discovery call. There is no pressure to commit. I hope reading this has made you feel less alone in the world. 

Warmly,

Tami