Diane Stelling is available to present programs to a wide variety of adult groups. She addresses clergy, counselors, nurses, teachers, universities, and congregational groups regarding both the spiritual concerns of abuse victims and the prevention of abuse, drawing upon personal experiences recounted in her book, Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother: Understanding the Spiritual Needs of Abuse Victims. As an adult survivor of childhood physical/verbal abuse and adult sexual abuse, Diane struggled with her faith, Christianity, and the Bible for many years. The following two workshops address both parts of the issue, intervention and prevention:
Ministering to the Spiritual Needs of Abuse Victims
This presentation can be tailored to fit into time periods ranging from one hour up to six hours. Participants in this workshop will:
- Learn the mindset of a victim of long term abuse and recognize the importance of spiritual concerns for victims of faith
- Understand victims' confusion regarding the nature of sin, forgiveness as it relates to abuse, and the need for caregivers to focus on the innocence of the victim
- Learn to express appropriate responses to help victims who are struggling with spiritual questions and learn Biblical equipping using specific Scripture passages and stories
- Be better able to determine the extent of their role and the role of their church in assisting with victims’ concerns
- Learn how to create a healing environment in the church
Spiritually Healthy Relationships/Abuse Prevention Via Early Intervention
This workshop is designed to help prevent domestic violence and child abuse by focusing on the positive aspects of spiritually healthy relationships. During this six-hour workshop participants will experience a personal spiritual journey and gain new, life-changing insights. They will explore in detail the two major components of spiritually healthy relationships, the "Building Blocks" and the "Interlocking Circles."
The "Building Blocks" are the essential developmental traits necessary for a psychologically healthy and spiritually mature Christian:
- Clear Identity
- Healthy Self-Image
- Values and Priorities
- Boundary Formation
- Affirming Relationships
- Calling and Vocation
The "Interlocking Circles" are the characteristics necessary for the healing cycle of forgiveness, repentance, and reconciliation to occur:
- Humility
- Self-Awareness
- Dignity
- Respect
- Empathy
- Kindness
Participants in the workshop will:
- Understand the identifying characteristics of a spiritually healthy and mature Christian
- Learn how to build and nurture healthy, Christ-centered relationships
- Develop skills for preventing unhealthy relationships