I recently received a Google Trends alert showing that the phrase “in my _ era” was a trending topic this year. That is all thanks to T. Swift I’m sure. It got me thinking about what “eras” I’ve experienced this year.
I can’t label the entire year, but as 2023 has been winding down, I’ve definitely been in my planning era. This has meant spending time looking toward 2024 and deciding where I want to invest my time and what kind of workshops, groups, or trainings I want to offer.
Plans for 2024 – Counseling Options
I plan to continue offering counseling services via telehealth throughout 2024. As of the time I’m writing this blog, I’m licensed to provide services to folks in NC. That could change pending developments with the Counseling Compact, which has potential to extend the ability of professional counselors to serve more people.
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING. I offer 1-on-1 counseling sessions via telehealth to folks located in North Carolina. Many of my clients sought me out due to my specialization in working with survivors of spiritual abuse / religious trauma, as well as those coming out of high-control religious groups. I provide therapeutic support that helps folks heal from these experiences and access their autonomy and inner knowledge in determining the next steps in their journey. I have experience supporting folks who wish to maintain religious beliefs, those who are looking for alternative spiritual practices, as well as those who have no longer have any interest in religious or spiritual things.
I also work with folks who are dealing with body image concerns and who desire to reconnect with their body and heal the relationship. I approach this work from a weight-inclusive, non-diet approach, which means that the focus of my work with clients is not on losing weight or shrinking your body. The focus is on reconnecting with self and body and finding ways to heal the wounds of body image concerns.
Additionally, I work with clients who are experiencing anxiety, grief, and life transitions. All of these areas frequently overlap as folks are facing their problems and finding healing.
GROUP COUNSELING. Another service that I provide to folks via telehealth is counseling groups. Group counseling can be beneficial in allowing folks to know they are not alone in their concerns. Group sessions are generally lower in cost than individual sessions, which can also make them more financially accessible for some.
In 2024, I plan to offer each of my regular groups at least one time during the year. These groups are:
- Body Mindfulness. The Body Mindfulness group consists of 8 weekly sessions that are 90 minutes each and are held online via HIPAA-secure Zoom. This group utilizes aspects of mindfulness to give participants skills that allow you to be present in your body without judgment, and to notice the messages your body gives you throughout the day so you can better meet your body’s needs. Body Mindfulness Group also includes an overview of the principles of Intuitive Eating to provide participants with information and tools reconnect with your own intuition around your body’s needs. The group is built upon the framework of Health At Every Size, and introduces the concept of health as a social justice issue. The 2024 round of this group is scheduled to begin January 25th, and only has 8 spots available. Check out the Body Mindfulness page on this website and reserve your spot today!
- Wounded By Faith. This group is for anyone who has experienced harm within a faith community. Regardless of what terminology most resonates for you – religious trauma, spiritual abuse, church hurt, high-control environment, adverse religious experience, or something else – if you have been wounded in some way within a religious or faith context, this group may be a good fit for you. I know that groups can be terrifying after being harmed within a group you trusted. Therefore, these Wounded By Faith groups are intentionally kept small (6 or less participants) and the autonomy and consent of participants is respected throughout the group. You can learn more about the next round of Wounded By Faith, starting April 2, 2024, and express your interest on the Wounded By Faith group webpage.
Plans for 2024 – Mental Health Webinar for Faith Leaders
I will once again be offering a version of my previous workshop geared toward faith leaders. The 2024 version will be in a webinar format to allow more folks access. I will also be expanding the topics to include overall mental health, trauma, and religious trauma information and discussion.
The Mental Health & Religious Trauma Webinar for Faith Leaders is scheduled for May 14, 2024 from 9:30-3:30pm ET. This event is open to anyone who is in a position of faith leader and wants to gain knowledge in supporting their own and others’ mental health. You can learn more about this event and register on the dedicated webpage.
Plans for 2024 – Clinical Support for Mental Health Providers
Religious Trauma and the impacts of high-control religions are hot topics in culture right now. With multiple stories of abuses finally being told and various documentaries bringing light to the experiences of many survivors, therapists are seeing a rise in the number of folks seeking support for concerns related to religious trauma, spiritual abuse, and high-control religious experiences.
I am excited to be able to include several different options in my 2024 plans for mental health providers to gain knowledge and support around recognizing and treating symptoms related to religious trauma and related topics. These options include:
- RELIGIOUS TRAUMA PEER SUPPORT GROUP. I will be facilitating a free, monthly peer support group for mental health providers focused on recognizing and supporting survivors of religious trauma. This group will meet online monthly – 3rd Wednesdays of the month from 10:30-11:30am ET. Any licensed, associate licensed, or graduate student in training to be a mental health provider is welcome to join this group. If you’d like to receive the link for these peer support groups, let me know here.
- RELIGIOUS TRAUMA CONSULTATION. I am available to offer one-on-one professional consultation to those working with folks who are dealing with the impacts of religious trauma or spiritual abuse. Those who might find this type of consultation beneficial include both mental health professionals, as well as faith leaders who are faced with concerns outside their scope with mental health. Consultation can be ongoing or a one-time meeting to discuss a particular concern. Check out this page to learn more about my consultation services.
- CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES. I am currently completing the process to become an NBCC-approved CE provider for a training on recognizing and treating religious trauma. My hope is to provide a 6-hour CE training online at various times throughout 2024 to increase knowledge and skills related to working with survivors of religious trauma. If you’d like to be updated regarding the availability of such a training, please take a moment to complete this brief interest form.
That’s My Planning Era
I’m looking forward to 2024 and eager to be able to offer these various opportunities for folks to improve their own mental health and/or learn how to better support others. If any of these opportunities sound interesting to you, or you have questions for me, please contact me and let me know.
Michelle F. Moseley is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in NC. She believes ALL people deserve respect, compassion, and access to mental and physical healthcare. Michelle specializes in working with survivors of religious trauma and with those who have body image concerns, finding there is frequent overlap in these areas. You can learn more about Michelle by visiting her website at MichelleFMoseley.com or following her on Instagram – @therapy_with_michelle
