“If we could see the abuse victims around us;
if they wore signs screaming, “I am a sexual abuse victim,”
we would recognize how prevalent the damage is and jump right
in to help them. But this is an invisible pandemic, and we must shine
a light on the impact of sexual abuse and exploitation in our
Christian communities if we are to bring hope and healing
to the captives who need to be set free.”
– Trish Propson
Welcome to Illuminate
Illuminate is a verb that means to make something visible or bright by shining light on it; light up; to help to clarify or explain. That is exactly what Illuminate Biblical Counseling and Coaching is designed to do. Illuminate exists to shine light on the impact of sexual abuse and exploitation in Christian communities through trauma-informed Biblical Counseling, Christian Mental Health Coaching services and training for Christian leaders and helping professionals who want to better understand the issue of sexual abuse and exploitation from a biblical perspective. By raising awareness and getting new conversations started, we can help survivors heal and change our Christian culture to better minister to victims, perpetrators, and those closest to them from a Christ-centered and Biblical framework.
Biblical Counseling
So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
Illuminate takes an integrated approach to Biblical counseling understanding that God is the ultimate Healer and His Word brings hope and healing to sexual assault survivors and others impacted (2 Timothy 3:16). A proven holistic approach offers sound trauma-informed counsel for mind, body, and spirit (1 Thess 5:23) taking into consideration the past, present, and future states of a person. Individual counseling, group classes, and Telehealth options are available to help the sexually broken find hope and healing through Christ leading them into freedom to live an abundant life.
Christian Mental Health Coaching
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5
Illuminate offers a holistic integrated coaching approach to look at the complicated intersections between a survivor’s mind, body, and spirit, and their past and present through counseling and explore future goals and dreams through coaching. Illuminate coaching complements the counseling process as survivors are guided and encouraged along their healing path. Telehealth appointments are available for individual and group coaching clients.
Church Partners
Sexual abuse and exploitation affect an estimated one in four women and one in six men in our country. Sadly, the statistics are similar inside and outside the church. Accepting the reality of sexual abuse and exploitation within the church is the first step to addressing this issue biblically. The church has a unique opportunity to shepherd the wounded so they can encounter the living God and receive true hope and healing at the foot of the cross. Illuminate can help by partnering with churches who want to shine light on this issue. If you desire to offer trauma-informed counseling to your people, but don’t have the resources, Illuminate can partner with you to provide on-site or telehealth counseling and coaching options. If you want to find out if ministering to the sexually broken is part of your calling, hosting a one-day or weekend conference is a great way to explore this complex issue in your local setting.
“He has sent me to heal those who are brokenhearted, to announce that captives will be set free and prisoners will be released. – Isaiah 61:1
Professional Training
Victims are not the only ones faced with the crisis of sexual abuse and exploitation. Family members, friends, caring adults, emergency response personnel, teachers, clergy, medical professionals, and everyday citizens may find themselves face-to-face with a victim of sexual violence. The impact of sexual abuse and exploitation on one victim can quickly destroy families, schools, organizations, churches, businesses, and entire communities. Many of the crises we currently face in our culture have roots stemming from sexual abuse including presenting issues such as addiction, homelessness, poverty, sexual issues, eating disorders, self-harm, and mental health disorders. Professional training can help raise awareness and expand trauma-informed practices for people who work with sexual assault victims.
The Heart of a Sexual Abuse Victim: Understanding Wounded Image-Bearers from Cradle to Grave
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." – 2 Cor 4:8-9 "I have never told anyone about my sexual abuse. I was ten years old when my Dad moved me into his bed...
Illuminate offers Biblical Counseling and Coaching services to Women and families struggling with the impact of sexual trauma and healing from the destructive patterns it can cause.
Illuminate also offers professional training to raise awareness of the lasting impact of sexual trauma:
- Christian Church leaders
- Sexual abuse and exploitation survivors
- Counselors, therapists and coaches
- Chaplains
- Christian Schools, Universities and Seminaries
- High school and college age groups
- Employee wellness programs
- Community organizations
- Counselors, therapists and coaches
- Chaplains
- Lawyers
- Emergency responders and Law enforcement
- Medical Personnel and Forensic Nurses
Illuminate offers speaking and programs for Women’s events and retreats
“Sexual abuse is its own kind of evil because it strikes at the core of those assaulted, destroying their very identity as image-bearers which can impact them for their entire lives. We can offer hope and healing through Christ.” –Trish Propson
To discuss counseling or coaching for sexual abuse and exploitation survivors, a partnership to offer hope and healing to your church, how sexual abuse and exploitation are impacting your community, or to book a speaker connect with Trish at: trish@illuminatetheissue.org
