Religion & Spirituality
Trauma-Informed Ministry: An Educational Workshop for Church Leaders
Three Tuesday evenings from February 24 - March 17, 2026*
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. ET
This program takes place both on site at Virginia Theological Seminary as well as online via Zoom meeting. *No class on Tuesday 3/10.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Most people will experience a traumatic event in their lives, but many go without adequate access to mental health support. It is common for individuals to first seek support from their religious community or spiritual leaders before considering professional help. This educational workshop aims to empower those in ministry, including seminarians, clergy, and lay leaders, with basic knowledge about trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress. Participants will be offered tools to support those they serve who have lived through potentially traumatic experiences. Further, the workshop will provide information on religious and spiritual trauma and how those in ministry can aid individuals who are finding faith again after a traumatic religious experience.
While the workshop is geared towards spiritual leaders, anyone is welcome to attend. There will be three sessions, each building on the previous session. Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions.
Contact us (LifelongLearning@vts.edu) if the cost to participate is a barrier for you.
Questions? Email LifelongLearning@vts.edu.
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Dr. Rachel Oakes is a post-doctoral resident in Clinical Psychology. She earned her doctoral degree from Saint Louis University, where her research and clinical training focused primarily on understanding the impact of trauma exposure on those who have experienced childhood maltreatment. Dr. Oakes completed her pre-doctoral internship at the VA Maryland Healthcare System, serving on the PTSD and Substance Use Disorders treatment teams. She has experience working with individuals who are healing from a range of traumatic experiences. Dr. Oakes currently works as a clinician full time at Virginia Therapy and Wellness.
Prior to her graduate work, Rachel was active in youth and collegiate ministry efforts in the Catholic church. Now a practicing Episcopalian, Rachel is married to a VTS seminarian who is a candidate for holy orders for the Diocese of Olympia.
