Description
Deep harm follows when a person sins against their spouse or intimate partner. And when that sin takes the form of infidelity, pornography use, or inappropriate relationships outside the covenant, the betrayed spouse often experiences profound disorientation. As their world of trust collapses, it is expected—not surprising—that they are flooded with shame, fear, and anger. These are not signs of weakness but natural responses to betrayal. Many find themselves caught in relational hypervigilance, constantly scanning for danger in a world that no longer feels safe.
In this course, Darby Strickland will provide theological foundations and practical guidance for church leaders and counselors who desire to help betrayed spouses. Together, we will consider how Scripture speaks into the spiritual and relational fallout of betrayal and how helpers can embody Christ’s faithful presence so that wounded spouses might believe truth and find hope amid turmoil.
Participants will learn:
- Theological foundations for providing care and hope in this type of suffering
- How betrayal trauma produces relational hypervigilance and its common expressions
- Everyday struggles faced by the betrayed spouse, including shame, distrust, and isolation
- Common mistakes made by church leaders and counselors that can intensify wounds
- Practical guidelines for patiently exhorting betrayed spouses toward truth and hope
Presenter
Darby Strickland
Darby is a faculty member and counselor at CCEF, where she has served since 2003. She has a master of divinity with a counseling emphasis from Westminster Theological Seminary. Darby brings particular passion and expertise in helping the vulnerable and oppressed, especially women in abusive marriages. She has contributed to Church Cares and the PCA Domestic Abuse & Sex Assault church training materials. She has counseled in a missionary church setting and has also held leadership roles in women’s ministry. She is the author of Is it Abuse? (P&R, 2020), has written a handful of minibooks, and has contributed to several other books.
This program does not qualify for NBCC credit; however, it does qualify for one CE hour toward CTHN CCTCP Certification credit for those who complete the requirements.
