Ep. 70 - Leaving an Abusive Christian Marriage: Legal & Faith-Based Support with Leesha C. Newkirk, JD
Description
Host: Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP
Founder of Through the Valley Therapy + Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching
Creator of The Holistic Counselor Podcast
Guest: Leesha C. Newkirk, JD
Christian Family Law Attorney | Certified Mediator | Mom of 6 | Advocate for Survivors
What We Talk About:
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What spiritual abuse really looks like in a marriage
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How the Church often misuses “biblical submission”
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Why divorce isn’t failure—it’s discernment
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Leesha’s powerful testimony and how she found healing
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How to protect your kids, assets, and peace during high-conflict separation
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Why consulting with a trauma-informed attorney changes everything
Real Quotes, Real Talk
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 Mentioned
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Bruce 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 -
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Duluth Model: Christian Power & Control Wheel PDF — A faith-adapted guide to understanding spiritual abuse and coercive control in Christian relationships.
Connect with Diana S. Rice
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Website:
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Instagram:
Connect with Leesha C. Newkirk, JD
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Website: https://brucepa.com
(Use contact form or phone listed on site to request consult)
United States
