RECLAIM - RECONNECT - REBUILD

Helping You Live Your Most Authentic Life

Spiritual Direction for those navigating life after high-demand religion, deconstructing beliefs, or facing a crisis of faith.

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So, What Exactly is Spiritual Direction?

Inclusive 👐🏽

A non-judgmental environment where all are welcome. Spiritual direction is for anyone, regardless of where they are on their journey, and embraces the uniqueness of each person’s experience.

Exploratory 🔎

A process of deep self-discovery, where you’re encouraged to ask big questions, reflect on your experiences, and explore new paths of meaning and purpose, free from rigid dogma or expectations.

Supportive ❤️‍🩹

A safe, compassionate space where you’re met with empathy and understanding, whether you’re exploring the aftermath of religious harm or simply seeking to reconnect with your true, authentic self.

As a spiritual director who works specifically with individuals who have experienced religious harm or left high-demand religions, my approach integrates deep listening, reflection, and creative practices to help you find meaning, peace, and healing. I'll help you reconnect with your true self and rebuild the life most authentic to you by guiding you through the process of untangling past beliefs and practices, while honoring your unique path moving forward.

Together, We Can Explore:

Purity Culture Healing
Navigating Guilt and Shame
Overcoming Religious Fears
Finding Meaning Again
Reclaiming Your Identity
Decoding Big Emotions
Cultivating Self-Compassion
Exploring Shadow Work
Dealing With Uncertainty
Undoing Religious Programming
Building Trust WIthin
Identifying Your New Values

...and so much more!

Hi there, I’m Cara!

I wasn’t raised in the church, but at 11 years old, I found my way to Evangelicalism, searching for belonging and community. I dove in wholeheartedly, finding deep meaning and purpose in my faith. As a self-proclaimed "religious good girl," I did all the right things—wearing my purity ring, having daily devotionals, and being “on fire” for God. 

Feeling called to youth ministry, I attended BIOLA and became a youth pastor, dedicating 10 years to guiding young people in their faith. I even studied Mormonism extensively, going on mission trips to Utah to convert Mormons (unsuccessfully, but the experience would prove pivotal).

However, it was during this time that cracks began to form in my own faith. My doubts grew, and they couldn’t be ignored. While in grad school, training to become a spiritual director, I wrote a paper on the inerrancy of the Bible, and by the end, I realized I could no longer believe the things I once held as truth. At 27, I walked away from the church and everything I had built my life upon.

Torn between missing my old life and feeling the need to be free from it, I struggled to process these conflicting emotions for years. But eventually, I began to apply the very work I had been trained in to myself. I took the time to untangle the religious programming I had internalized and slowly began to create a life of meaning and purpose again—one that was free from the constraints of my past. 

Now, I’m passionate about helping others who are navigating a similar journey, offering a space for healing, reflection, and rediscovery. My journey has shown me that it’s possible to rebuild your life, with freedom and authenticity, after leaving behind old systems of belief.

Is Spiritual Direction Right For You?

This is FOR you if:

✔️You’re ready to reconnect with your true self after leaving a high-demand religious environment or strict belief system.

✔️You’re seeking compassionate, non-judgmental guidance to explore your spiritual journey at your own pace.

✔️You feel disconnected from your intuition or inner wisdom and need support to rediscover trust in yourself.

✔️You want someone to help you navigate spiritual freedom and healing, without being told what to believe or how to live.

This is NOT for you if:

❌ You’re looking for traditional therapy or counseling to work through trauma or mental health concerns (while I can offer support, I don't diagnose or treat trauma directly).

❌ You’re seeking rigid answers or specific religious doctrines (I offer guidance to help you find your own truth, not a pre-packaged set of beliefs).

❌You want a quick fix—spiritual direction is about a deeper, more ongoing process of reconnection and growth, not an instant solution.

Needing Support? Book a Session!

Find an available time slot that works with your schedule. 

  • $125/per session or 4 sessions for $400 (you save $100).
  • Each session is 50 min long 
  • 24 hour notice prior to booking required
  • Once you book, you will be sent instructions for payment and a link for the call
  • Please pay prior to the coaching session. Payment accepted: PayPal or Venmo

*Please note that I open up my calendar every month.

👩🏼‍🎓M.A. Certified Spiritual Director

I holds a Master's degree in Soul Care from an accredited private University (since 2007), and am clinically trained to guide you through your faith transition.

👋🏽19 Years Out of Evangelicalism

Nearly two decades have passed since I've left the Church, giving me ample time and space to unlearn old religious programming and rebuild my own life.

⌛3000+ Coaching Hours

I am the co-founder of Happy Whole Way, where I've had six years of a private 1:1 practice and have co-facilitated 19 group coaching cohorts at Happy Whole U.

📝Clinically Supervised

I am committed to maintaining high ethical standards and providing professional, responsible care, which is why I regularly meet for clinical supervision.

"I’ve gone through therapy before, but...

...these sessions with Cara really felt like the missing puzzle piece to recognize that I am not inherently sinful or broken, and I can trust myself. I now have a toolkit from which to pull when shame comes knocking or I start to veer from who I truly am. I’m showing up for myself in authentic and loving ways that feel so life-giving."

-Kristen, former client

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Do you have a good book recommendation for that? The answer is always YES—and our list is long and ever growing). Access our virtural library of our fav book recs.

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We thoughtfully picked over 30 of the best songs that speak to the messy, profound, and resilient experience of leaving high demand religion. Go grab your headphones!

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I’m truly grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me on this journey. I’m excited to work with you and support you every step of the way!

Photography credits: All photos by Chicago Andrea Creative except Top photo is by Gayle Lessman