COHORTS

Empathetic Witness Cohort

“Trauma is what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness,” says Dr. Gabor Maté. The chances are high that all of us know someone with religious trauma, whether or not we realize it. The Global Center for Religious Research estimates that 15-20% of American adults currently experience religious trauma (i.e., 40-60 million people) — it’s a reality that touches most people’s lives. Faith leaders who care well for survivors have a trauma-informed understanding of human bodies and have developed trauma-responsive pastoral skills — they are empathetic witnesses to the pain of others.

The Empathetic Witness cohort is for pastors, ministry leaders, therapists, or anyone who wants to care for those who have religious trauma. This virtual cohort is led by Dr. Charles Kiser, a pastor for sixteen years among spiritually traumatized folks in Dallas, Texas, and author of Becoming a Wounded Healer and Trauma-Informed Evangelism: Cultivating Communities of Wounded Healers.

In this training, participants will:

  • Engage in embodied spiritual practices

  • Learn stories and concepts related to religious trauma

  • Consider fresh theological imagination about abuse and trauma

  • Explore postures and practices of healing trauma

  • Create an action plan for how to continue to grow as a healer

Current Offerings:

Fall Cohort

October 2 - November 6, 2025

Tuesdays at 11:30 am - 1 p.m. CT

  • Faith leaders—whether pastors, ministers, ministry leaders, elders, or other spiritual companions—who want to care well for the wounded around them.


  • The group will consist of 6-10 participants and one facilitator (Charles).

  • We will meet via Zoom for six weeks:

    • October 2

    • October 9

    • October 16

    • October 23

    • October 30

    • November 6

    Each session will begin at 11:30 a.m. CT and last for 90 minutes.

  • Thanks to the generosity of donors of The Healing Collective, the total for all six sessions is $50, plus the cost to purchase Trauma-Informed Evangelism for select readings (available online for $15-20).

  • Attend all six sessions

    • This is important for cultivating a supportive learning environment for everyone.

    Commit to confidentiality

    • All that is shared in the group space must be kept confidential (except what would be illegal not to share) in order to maintain safety.

    Purchase a copy of Trauma-Informed Evangelism from your bookstore of choice

    • Commit to read brief selected readings from the book in preparation for each week’s session.

    • You’ll receive access to a Learning Management System that will outline your weekly readings.

Testimonials

  • The Empathetic Witness cohort was an engaging dive into what it means to be trauma aware in spiritual friendship. Charles is an engaging leader and gifted discussion guide who created safety and welcome from our first meeting, and our cohort was a wonderful diverse mix of folks to learn alongside. This cohort is an experience I would recommend to anyone who is curious about publicly living their spirituality without doing harm.

    Christina, NYC

  • The Empathetic Witness Cohort is a life-giving experience for spiritual companions who understand that the road to healing cannot be rushed. Charles is a wonderful model who demonstrates in his leadership how to listen deeply, empathize, and process our own emotions as we walk alongside others. Hearing from likeminded professionals in the group is an energizing reminder that we are not alone on this journey toward health and healing. I recommend this cohort to anyone who senses the need for the Church to operate from a trauma-aware ministry model that utilizes the understanding society has gained from mental health research.

    Bonni Mace, Odenton, MD

  • Participating in the Empathetic Witness Cohort was both healing and educational for me! Having the chance to speak to others who are both religious trauma survivors and who are involved in the work of healing was invaluable. The conversations were great, and Charles is not only an expert but a great facilitator!

    Christina, Raleigh, NC

  • As a therapist working within spiritual abuse recovery and attachment trauma, I was so encouraged to be a participant in the Empathetic Witness Cohort. From the rich readings to the deep group discussions, this experience was one that renewed my soul and reminded me of the beauty that comes from making space and staying curious.

    Carley Marcouillier, MA, LPC Lynchburg, VA

  • This cohort was the right next step for me as I continue to process my own wholeness journey as well as hold space for others in my circle of care to do the same. I learned specific and practical tools and was introduced to an expanse of information that I was able to immediately implement and use to feel growth and forward movement. The group context was beautiful as everyone involved, representing very different life experiences and geographical as well as religious contexts and professions, shared vulnerably and generously. It wasn't self-help, it was group growth in the most beautiful way.

    Gwendolyn Lau, McKinney, TX

Registration:

Please fill out the form below to reserve your spot in the upcoming Empathetic Witness Cohort. Space is limited.