Ep. 70 - Leaving an Abusive Christian Marriage: Legal & Faith-Based Support with Leesha C. Newkirk, JD
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Founder of Through the Valley Therapy + Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching Creator of The Holistic Counselor Podcast
Guest: Leesha C. Newkirk, JDChristian Family Law Attorney | Certified Mediator | Mom of 6 | Advocate for Survivors
What We Talk About:What spiritual abuse really looks like in a marriage
How the Church often misuses "biblical submission"
Why divorce isn't failure—it's discernment
Leesha's powerful testimony and how she found healing
How to protect your kids, assets, and peace during high-conflict separation
Why consulting with a trauma-informed attorney changes everything
Diana:
"You are not weak because you cry. You are not broken because you feel. Emotions are a signal, not a sin."
Leesha:
"You can go through a divorce without losing everything. You don't have to ruin your children or burn the house down. There is a better way."
"God is not mad at you for protecting yourself. He is not disappointed that you chose safety."
Resources We MentionedBruce Law Firm, P.A. (Where Leesha practices) https://brucepa.com Palm Beach County, FL | Legal services for Florida residents
Tia Levings' Memoir: A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy Amazon | Macmillan
Call to Peace Ministries https://www.calltopeace.org
Stay Married Florida – Legal + spiritual education hub https://staymarriedflorida.com
Other Podcast Episodes to Listen To: Ep. 58 – Untwisting Scripture with Rebecca Davis Ep. 10 – Religious Trauma & Domestic Abuse in the Church with Dr. Kate Johnson
Duluth Model: Christian Power & Control Wheel PDF — A faith-adapted guide to understanding spiritual abuse and coercive control in Christian relationships.
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Website: https://brucepa.com (Use contact form or phone listed on site to request consult)
83 episodes