Safe to Hope Podcast

All suffering is loss, but God leaves nothing unused in His plans. We help women see His redemptive thread throughout their circumstances and then look for opportunities to join with God in His transforming work.

Dr. Ann Maree Goudzwaard

Founder and Executive Director of Help[H]er.

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Season 7 Episode 6

Story – “Michelle”

Is It Spiritual Abuse

In this episode, Ann Maree sits down with Michelle to share her powerful story of coming to faith from a Jewish background and navigating years of spiritual abuse across multiple church environments. What begins as a story of spiritual curiosity and transformation unfolds into a deeper look at control, unhealthy leadership, and the lasting impact of church hurt, from overt abuse to subtle, toxic systems. Michelle offers honest reflection on trauma, grief, and the long road of healing, while challenging common assumptions about forgiveness and faith. Through it all, she brings a grounded hope, suggesting that what feels like loss may actually be part of a necessary pruning, making way for a healthier, more authentic future for the Church.

To Heal or Harm Steven Tracy

Holy Hurt, Hillary McBride

Something’s Not Right, Wade Mullen

Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse, Lisa Oakley

Breaking the Silence on Spiritual Abuse, Lisa Oakley

Downsizing, Michelle Van Loon

When Narcissim Comes to Church, Chuck DeGroat

Healing What’s Within, Chuck DeGroat

The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse, Dave Johnson, Jeff Van Vonderen

Institutional Betrayal Questionnaire

The Allender Center

Aaron Hann’s support groups

For the Love of Women, Dorothy Greco

A Thousand Tiny Paper Cuts, Katherine Spearing

The Danger of Aging Women, Kate Boyd

The Gospel Coalition article about pornography

Complementarianism is a Breeding Ground for Abuse and Infidelity, Bobby Giles

Season 7: Episode 5

Dr. Steven Tracy – Expert Contributor

Is It Spiritual Abuse?

In this episode of Safe to Hope, Ann Maree and Julia sit down with Dr. Steve Tracy, President of Mending the Soul Ministries, to explore the reality of spiritual abuse within the Church. Through theological insight and real-life application, Dr. Tracy helps unpack how misuse of authority, emotional neglect, and distorted interpretations of Scripture can deeply impact survivors. Grounded in Helen’s story, this conversation sheds light on the subtle warning signs of unhealthy systems, the importance of emotional and spiritual maturity in leadership, and the hope found in a God who sees, cares, and redeems.