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Do you love God—but feel like you’re slowly drifting away from Him, and you don’t know why? Are you scared that questioning your church—or your faith—might mean losing everything you love? Do you constantly second-guess your emotions, your voice, even your own intuition—wondering if you’re the problem? Are you exhausted from trying to be good enough, faithful enough, spiritual enough… and still feeling like you fall short? Do you feel spiritually homeless—longing for a safe space where you can be honest, messy, and still welcomed with open arms?
If that all sounds a little too familiar, take a deep breath. You’ve found a place to land.
Healing Religious Trauma is a podcast designed to help you:
1. Rebuild your relationship with a safe, loving God.
2. Feel emotionally and spiritually safe enough to ask honest questions.
3. Hear God’s voice for yourself—without fear, shame, or outside filters.
4. Let go of guilt and reclaim your voice, your worth, and your inner peace.
5. Find a gentle, supportive space where spiritual transformation and healing are real and faith still matters.
Hi, I’m Debra.
A woman of faith who spent decades trying to earn God’s love by doing everything “right.” I was the helper, the volunteer, the spiritual overachiever. But underneath all the striving, I felt disconnected—from God, from myself, and from the woman I longed to be.
Like so many of the women I now serve, I kept trying to pray harder, serve more, and fix myself—hoping the fog would lift, the guilt would fade, and I’d finally feel close to God’s love again. But none of it worked.
What changed?
I finally realized that it wasn’t my faith that was failing—it was the version of it I’d been handed. The one rooted in fear, control, and silence. So I started to untangle the lies, listen for God’s true voice, and walk in the kind of healing that leads to spiritual freedom—not fear.
And the outcome?
I created the kind of compassionate, honest, Spirit-led healing journey I couldn’t find anywhere else. One that doesn’t ask you to throw everything away—just to lay down what was never yours to carry. And that’s exactly why this podcast was born.
If you’re ready to untangle what’s been keeping you stuck—and find real, spiritual healing that doesn’t ask you to lose your faith in the process—this podcast is for you.
Each episode will help you rebuild your trust in God, rest from spiritual performance, and rediscover the voice you were never meant to silence.
You’ll hear real stories, soul-grounded teaching, and healing truths rooted in compassion and true connection.
You can't heal what you can't name.
Take the Quiz – Uncover which of the 12 Hidden Aftershocks of religious trauma are keeping you stuck—and get your FREE Essentials Starter Kit: my book, mini-course, reading circle, and community of women who get it. ReligiousTraumaQuiz.com
Join the Coming Home Journey – Go from stuck to free. From exile to home. Find your voice, heal your faith, and finally feel close to God again. Six months of group coaching through the 5 Phases of Healing. TheComingHomeJourney.com
No perfection required. Just bring your questions and your favorite tea. This space was made to feel like home.
ABOUT
Debra Shafer is a spiritual healing coach for Christian women and the creator of the Coming Home Journey—a gentle, soul-level pathway to help women untangle religious trauma, rebuild trust in God, and find peace without walking away from their faith. As the founder of the Healing Religious Trauma Circle, Debra brings together decades of experience in personal ministry, Biblical psychology, and trauma-informed mentoring. She knows what it’s like to love God deeply while wrestling with fear, shame, and silence. Known for her voice of gentle clarity, healing, and truth, she now walks women home to the God they always hoped was real. Around here, the tea is hot, the wisdom is hard-won, and no question is off limits.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
When you picture Jesus getting angry — really angry — what comes to mind? Maybe you've been taught that anger is sinful. That good Christians should always be gentle. But here's what might surprise you: Jesus was incredibly gentle with the wounded. But with religious leaders crushing people under the weight of their rules? Jesus was fierce.
Episode Description
In this episode, Debra shows you something that might change how you see Jesus — and how you see yourself. Through three powerful biblical encounters, you'll discover how Jesus dealt with religious trauma in His time: confronting the abusers, healing the wounded, and revealing God's true heart. The God that Jesus revealed isn't the one you've been afraid of. And the Jesus you're about to meet? He's on your side.
In this episode, you'll discover:
→ How Jesus responded to a man cast out for telling the truth about his healing
→ What Jesus said to a woman isolated for 12 years by religious laws
→ Why Jesus got angry at religious leaders who valued rules over a woman's 18 years of suffering
→ The pattern Jesus shows us: fierce anger for abusers, tender compassion for the wounded
→ Why you don't have to be afraid of Jesus — His protective love is for you
Healing Truth
Jesus saves His fierce anger for those who wound God's people. But for those who have been wounded? He has nothing but compassion. The God that Jesus revealed is fiercely protective of the wounded, tender toward the suffering, and angry at systems that crush people. He will break religious rules to set people free.
Key Quote: "Jesus is on your side. His anger is reserved for those who wound. His tenderness is for you. You don't have to be afraid of Him. You never did."
Ready to go deeper?
Do you suffer from religious trauma? Find out! ReligiousTraumaQuiz.com
Read Debra's story and unravel your own. HeIsEnoughBook.com — a redemptive memoir and healing guide.
Ready for complete transformation? TheComingHomeJourney.com — Join the Coming Home Journey. A life-changing journey with women who understand and care. You don't have to do this alone.
About Debra
Debra Shafer is a spiritual healing coach for Christian women and creator of the Coming Home Journey. She helps women untangle religious trauma, rebuild trust in God, and find peace without walking away from their faith. Known for her voice of gentle clarity and truth, Debra walks women home to the God they always hoped was real.
Listener Love
If this episode gave you a glimpse of Jesus' true heart toward you, would you share it? There's someone in your life who needs to know that Jesus isn't angry at them for their questions, their struggles, or their pain. A quick review on Apple Podcasts helps more women find their way here.
This is soul-level restoration for Christian women healing religious trauma who long for inner peace, spiritual healing, and true connection with God. Through addressing generational trauma and helping you trust God completely, we help you discover God's love that was fiercely protective of you all along.
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Have you ever walked away from church feeling confused and heavy — then immediately told yourself you're "just being too sensitive"? That tightness in your chest when certain teachings are mentioned. That knot in your stomach around certain people. You've felt it, but you've pushed it down because good Christian women don't question things like that. Right?
Episode Description
In this episode, Debra helps you finally name what you've been carrying. Because here's the truth: you can't heal what you can't name. This isn't about rejecting faith — it's about healing from harm done in the name of faith. If you've ever felt spiritual discomfort but didn't have words for it, this episode will give you the clarity you've been searching for.
In this episode, you'll discover:
→ What religious trauma actually is — and why it's so hard to recognize
→ Why faithful, loyal Christian women are the LEAST likely to see they're being hurt
→ The sacred parts of your soul that got trampled — and why it wasn't your fault
→ Eight common symptoms of religious trauma (and why they don't mean you're broken)
→ How to start paying attention to what your body is trying to tell you
Healing Truth
You didn't recognize religious trauma because you were BEING good. You were being faithful. You were being loyal. The problem wasn't your heart. These symptoms don't mean you're broken. They mean you've been hurt. And hurt people need healing, not more shame.
Key Quote: "You can't heal what you can't name. And now? You can name it. That's the first step toward healing."
Ready to go deeper?
Do you suffer from religious trauma? Find out!
ReligiousTraumaQuiz.com
Read Debra's story and unravel your own.
HeIsEnoughBook.com — a redemptive memoir and healing guide.
Ready for complete transformation?
TheComingHomeJourney.com
Join the Coming Home Journey — A life-changing journey with women who understand and care. You don’t have to do this alone.
About Debra
Debra Shafer is a spiritual healing coach for Christian women and creator of the Coming Home Journey. She helps women untangle religious trauma, rebuild trust in God, and find peace without walking away from their faith. Known for her voice of gentle clarity and truth, Debra walks women home to the God they always hoped was real.
Listener Love
If this episode helped you put words to what you've been experiencing, would you share it with someone who needs to hear this? A quick review on Apple Podcasts helps more women find their way here.
This is soul-level restoration for Christian women healing religious trauma who long for inner peace, spiritual healing, and true connection with God. Through addressing generational trauma and helping you trust God completely, we help you recognize what happened and finally discover God's love that was there all along.
Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
You've had the breakthrough. You've glimpsed who you really are. But now what? How do you actually LIVE as this new woman — especially when life gets hard and the old patterns try to pull you back?
Episode Description
In this final episode of The Path Home series, Debra reveals why breakthroughs don't always stick — and what it actually takes to make transformation permanent. This is Phase Five: Growing Your Wings. The caterpillar has dissolved, but the butterfly's wings are still wet. It's time to develop the capacity to fly. If you've ever had a powerful moment of healing and then slipped back into old patterns, this episode will show you why — and how to finally break free for good.
In this episode, you'll discover:
→ Why breakthrough isn't the end — it's just the beginning
→ The difference between feeling different and actually living different
→ What "growth codes" are and why they make transformation permanent
→ How to navigate the uncomfortable liminal space between old and new
→ The promise of Philippians 1:6 — He who began a good work WILL complete it
Healing Truth
Transformation isn't a moment — it's a process. And you don't have to do it alone. The God who started this work in you is faithful to finish it. Your wings are growing. And one day soon, you're going to fly.
Scripture: Philippians 1:6 — "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion."
Ready to go deeper?
Discover your personal healing path: Take our free Religious Trauma Assessment at ReligiousTraumaQuiz.com and uncover which of the 12 hidden barriers might be shaping your relationship with God, yourself, and others. You'll receive a personalized report plus my complete Essentials Starter Kit—including my book He Is Enough, Truth Over Tradition mini-course, live reading circles, and access to our supportive community—all completely FREE.
Transform your story completely: Join the Coming Home Journey at TheComingHomeJourney.com—a six-month guided experience to unravel religious trauma, instill God's truth, and create your new story alongside women who truly understand. 50% Off Founder Pricing ends January 1st—this is your last month to join at half the investment. Prices double next year.
About Debra
Debra Shafer is a spiritual healing coach for Christian women and the creator of the Coming Home Journey—a gentle, soul-level pathway to help women untangle religious trauma, rebuild trust in God, and find peace without walking away from their faith. As the founder of the Healing Religious Trauma Circle, Debra brings together decades of experience in personal ministry, Biblical psychology, and trauma-informed mentoring. She knows what it's like to love God deeply while wrestling with fear, shame, and silence. Known for her voice of gentle clarity, healing, and truth, she now walks women home to the God they always hoped was real.
Listener Love
If The Path Home series has meant something to you, would you share it with a friend who needs this hope? And a quick review on Apple Podcasts helps more women discover that transformation is possible — not just as a moment, but as a way of life.
This isn't surface-level faith advice. It's soul-level restoration for Christian women healing from religious trauma who long for inner peace, spiritual healing, and true connection with God. Through addressing generational trauma and cultivating growth that lasts, we help you trust God completely and finally learn to fly.
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Have you ever had a breakthrough that didn't stick? Tried affirmations, prayer, even counseling — and felt better for a while, but then ended up right back where you started? What if the problem isn't you... it's that real transformation happens at a level most approaches never reach?
Episode Description
In Phase Four of The Path Home series, Debra reveals why breakthroughs don't always last — and what actually creates permanent, irreversible transformation. This isn't about trying harder or having more faith. It's about the deeper, more accurate truth meeting the lie at the seed level and dissolving it with love. If you've been stuck in the same patterns no matter what you've tried, this episode will show you why — and what's actually possible when transformation happens at the root.
In this episode, you'll discover:
→ The difference between feeling better and actually being different — and why it matters
→ Why affirmations and "trying harder" don't create lasting change
→ How barriers actually dissolve — gently, not through force
→ The "deeper, more accurate truth" that's been waiting underneath the lies
→ What's actually true about you — according to God's original design, not religious trauma
Healing Truth
You're not broken. You've been brilliantly adaptive. The barriers you carry aren't proof that something is wrong with you — they're proof that you survived something difficult. And the deeper, more accurate truth about who you are? It's been waiting for you all along.
Scripture: Romans 12:2 — "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
Ready to go deeper?
Discover your personal healing path: Take our free Religious Trauma Assessment at ReligiousTraumaQuiz.com and uncover which of the 12 hidden barriers might be shaping your relationship with God, yourself, and others. You'll receive a personalized report plus my complete Essentials Starter Kit—including my book He Is Enough, Truth Over Tradition mini-course, live reading circles, and access to our supportive community—all completely FREE.
Transform your story completely: Join the Coming Home Journey at TheComingHomeJourney.com—a six-month guided experience to unravel religious trauma, instill God's truth, and create your new story alongside women who truly understand.
About Debra
Debra Shafer is a spiritual healing coach for Christian women and the creator of the Coming Home Journey—a gentle, soul-level pathway to help women untangle religious trauma, rebuild trust in God, and find peace without walking away from their faith. As the founder of the Healing Religious Trauma Circle, Debra brings together decades of experience in personal ministry, Biblical psychology, and trauma-informed mentoring. She knows what it's like to love God deeply while wrestling with fear, shame, and silence. Known for her voice of gentle clarity, healing, and truth, she now walks women home to the God they always hoped was real.
Listener Love
If this episode helped you understand why nothing has worked before — and what real transformation looks like — would you share it with someone who's been stuck in that same cycle? A quick review on Apple Podcasts helps more women discover that lasting change is possible.
This isn't surface-level faith advice. It's soul-level restoration for Christian women healing from religious trauma who long for inner peace, spiritual healing, and the ability to trust God completely. Through addressing generational trauma and cultivating the deeper truth, we help you experience God's love and transform your identity from the inside out.
Wednesday Dec 31, 2025
Wednesday Dec 31, 2025
Have you ever felt like something invisible was blocking you — like no matter how hard you tried, you kept hitting the same wall? What if the problem isn't your faith... it's something you've never been able to name?
Episode Description
In Phase Three of The Path Home series, Debra reveals the 12 Hidden Barriers that might be quietly running the show in your life — and why you can't heal what you can't name. These aren't character flaws. They're survival strategies that once protected you but are now blocking your growth. And religious trauma amplifies every single one. This episode will help you finally see what's been invisible — and that's where freedom begins.
In this episode, you'll discover:
→ What hidden barriers actually are and why they feel like truth instead of beliefs
→ The 12 Hidden Barriers and which ones might be operating in your life
→ How religious trauma adds layers of spiritual shame, fear, and guilt to these patterns
→ Why naming the barrier is the first step to freedom — and how seeing it "operationalized" changes everything
→ What it means when you can't unsee something — and why that's actually good news
Healing Truth
You can't heal what you can't name. But once you name it — once you see how it's been running the show — it loses its invisible power. You're not broken. You've been brilliantly adaptive. And now you're ready to let go of what no longer serves you.
Scripture: John 8:32 — "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Ready to go deeper?
Discover your personal healing path: Take our free Religious Trauma Assessment at ReligiousTraumaQuiz.com and uncover which of the 12 hidden barriers might be shaping your relationship with God, yourself, and others. You'll receive a personalized report plus my complete Essentials Starter Kit—including my book He Is Enough, Truth Over Tradition mini-course, live reading circles, and access to our supportive community—all completely FREE.
Transform your story completely: Join the Coming Home Journey at TheComingHomeJourney.com—a six-month guided experience to unravel religious trauma, instill God's truth, and create your new story alongside women who truly understand. 50% Off Founder Pricing ends January 1st—this is your last month to join at half the investment. Prices double next year.
About Debra
Debra Shafer is a spiritual healing coach for Christian women and the creator of the Coming Home Journey—a gentle, soul-level pathway to help women untangle religious trauma, rebuild trust in God, and find peace without walking away from their faith. As the founder of the Healing Religious Trauma Circle, Debra brings together decades of experience in personal ministry, Biblical psychology, and trauma-informed mentoring. She knows what it's like to love God deeply while wrestling with fear, shame, and silence. Known for her voice of gentle clarity, healing, and truth, she now walks women home to the God they always hoped was real.
Listener Love
If this episode helped you finally name what's been blocking you, would you share it with a friend who's been feeling stuck? A quick review on Apple Podcasts helps more women discover that they're not broken — they've just been bumping against something they couldn't see.
This isn't surface-level faith advice. It's soul-level restoration for Christian women healing from religious trauma who long for inner peace, spiritual healing, and true connection with a safe, loving God. Through addressing generational trauma and naming the hidden barriers, we help you trust God completely and step into the freedom He's always had for you.
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
Who is the woman I've been talking to in every episode? Her name is Hadassah — and today, for the first time, I'm pulling back the curtain to let you meet her.
Episode Description
In this special bonus episode, Debra introduces The Hadassah Files — an intimate, behind-the-scenes series about the woman at the heart of everything she does. Discover the biblical story of Hadassah who became Esther, the meaning of her name (the myrtle tree — resilient, fragrant, thriving even after drought), and why you might recognize yourself in her story. If you've ever felt invisible, unheard, or alone in your faith journey... this is for you.
In this episode, you'll discover:
→ The biblical story of Hadassah — the woman who learned to hide in order to survive
→ The meaning of her name: myrtle tree — resilient, fragrant even in hard places, thriving after damage
→ Who the modern Hadassah is and what she carries
→ Why you might recognize yourself in her story
→ The truth: You're not broken — you're resilient, and you're still here
Do you have religious trauma?
Take the quiz at: ReligiousTraumaQuiz.com
Personalized results, real clarity — completely free.
Walk the path home: Join the Coming Home Journey at TheComingHomeJourney.com — 50% Off Pricing ends January 1st.
This is The Hadassah Files — special bonus episodes from the Healing Religious Trauma for Christian Women podcast. More intimate. Behind the scenes. If you've ever felt invisible, unheard, or alone in your faith journey... these are for you.
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Have you ever frozen when someone asked you what you want? Do you feel guilty for having desires — like wanting something for yourself makes you selfish or unspiritual?
Episode Description
In Phase Two of The Path Home series, Debra reveals why hope has to come BEFORE deep healing can happen — and why most women with religious trauma have lost touch with their own desires. If you've spent years giving to everyone else while your own soul slowly starved, this episode will show you: that's not humility. That's harm. And it's time to reconnect with the dreams God planted in you before anyone told you they were wrong.
In this episode, you'll discover:
→ Why you freeze when asked "What do you want?" — and what that reveals
→ How religious trauma taught you that desire itself was dangerous
→ The truth about Psalm 37:4 and your God-given desires
→ Why becoming who you're meant to be isn't selfish — it's faithfulness
→ How to start planting seeds of hope even when dreaming feels scary
Healing Truth
Your desires are not the enemy. They're not "your flesh." God planted them in you for a reason — and reconnecting with them might just be the most honest prayer you've prayed in years. You have permission to want.
Scripture: Psalm 37:4 — "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."
Ready to go deeper?
Discover your personal healing path: Take our free Religious Trauma Assessment at ReligiousTraumaQuiz.com. You'll receive a personalized report plus my complete Essentials Starter Kit—including my book He Is Enough, Truth Over Tradition mini-course, live reading circles, and access to our supportive community—all completely FREE.
Transform your story completely: Join the Coming Home Journey at TheComingHomeJourney.com—a six-month guided experience to unravel religious trauma, instill God's truth, and create your new story alongside women who truly understand. 50% Off Pricing ends January 1st—this is your last month to join at half the investment. Prices double next year.
About Debra
Debra Shafer is a spiritual healing coach for Christian women and the creator of the Coming Home Journey—a gentle, soul-level pathway to help women untangle religious trauma, rebuild trust in God, and find peace without walking away from their faith. As the founder of the Healing Religious Trauma Circle, Debra brings together decades of experience in personal ministry, Biblical psychology, and trauma-informed mentoring. She knows what it's like to love God deeply while wrestling with fear, shame, and silence. Known for her voice of gentle clarity, healing, and truth, she now walks women home to the God they always hoped was real.
Listener Love
If this episode gave you permission to want again — to dream again — would you share it with a friend who needs this? And a quick review on Apple Podcasts helps more women discover that their desires aren't wrong — they were just buried.
This isn't surface-level faith advice. It's soul-level restoration for Christian women healing from religious trauma who long for inner peace, spiritual healing, and true connection with God. Through addressing generational trauma and nurturing God's love, we help you trust God completely and become who you were always meant to be.
Friday Dec 12, 2025
Friday Dec 12, 2025
Do you love God deeply but still feel an invisible wall between you and Him? Have you been serving faithfully for years, but something inside you keeps holding back—and you can't figure out why?
Episode Description
In this first deep-dive episode of The Path Home series, Debra reveals why safety has to come FIRST before real healing can happen. Religious trauma doesn't just wound once—it leaves aftershocks of fear, shame, and guilt that keep running in the background. And often, the problem isn't your faith—it's that someone gave you a version of God that wasn't true. This episode will help you understand why you've been struggling to trust, and what has to be in place before transformation can take root.
In this episode, you'll discover:
→ Why your struggle to trust God isn't a faith problem—it's a safety problem
→ How religious trauma installs patterns of fear, shame, and guilt that shape everything
→ What spiritual safety actually looks and feels like (hint: your doubts don't mean you don't love God)
→ Three powerful agreements that create the conditions for transformation
→ Why preparing the soil has to come before planting any seeds
Healing Truth
You can't trust someone you don't feel safe with. And having hard questions while loving God deeply isn't contradiction—it's courage. Safety isn't weakness. It's wisdom. And it's the foundation everything else is built on.
Scripture: Psalm 91:1 — "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."
Ready to go deeper?
Discover your personal healing path: Take our free Religious Trauma Assessment at ReligiousTraumaQuiz.com and uncover which of the 12 hidden barriers might be shaping your relationship with God, yourself, and others. You'll receive a personalized report plus my complete Essentials Starter Kit—including my book He Is Enough, Truth Over Tradition mini-course, live reading circles, and access to our supportive community—all completely FREE.
Transform your story completely: Join the Coming Home Journey at TheComingHomeJourney.com—a six-month guided experience to unravel religious trauma, instill God's truth, and create your new story alongside women who truly understand. 50% Off Founder Pricing ends January 1st—this is your last month to join at half the investment. Prices double next year.
About Debra
Debra Shafer is a spiritual healing coach for Christian women and the creator of the Coming Home Journey—a gentle, soul-level pathway to help women untangle religious trauma, rebuild trust in God, and find peace without walking away from their faith. As the founder of the Healing Religious Trauma Circle, Debra brings together decades of experience in personal ministry, Biblical psychology, and trauma-informed mentoring. She knows what it's like to love God deeply while wrestling with fear, shame, and silence. Known for her voice of gentle clarity, healing, and truth, she now walks women home to the God they always hoped was real.
Listener Love
If this episode helped you understand why safety has to come first, would you share it with someone who needs this truth? And a quick review on Apple Podcasts helps more women discover that healing is possible—without losing their faith.
This isn't surface-level faith advice. It's soul-level restoration for Christian women healing from religious trauma who long for inner peace, spiritual healing, and the ability to trust God completely. Through addressing generational trauma and nurturing true connection, we help you experience God's love in the deepest way. Strengthen your relationship with a safe, loving God.