Mending the Soul

For teenagers who have experienced any kind of abuse or abandonment, it can often feel like hope is lost and they're doomed to stay stuck in unhealthy habits and patterns. This teenage edition of Mending the Soul was written to show teens that by following a path of restoration and allowing God's grace to touch their heart's deepest wounds, they will find hope and healing as they work through their pain. It will help them navigate the emotional trauma of abuse and abandonment, as well as recognize signs of unhealthy families and dating relationships. Armed with a better understanding of their past and how the effects of abuse can lead to risky behaviors, shame, trauma and isolation---teens will be encouraged to face their brokenness, to heal and forgive and to look toward their hope-filled future.A practical resource for teens, Mending the Soul, Student Edition also offers insight into the struggles parents and ministry leaders face when working with teenage victims of abuse.

Steven R. Tracy is professor of Theology and Ethics at Phoenix Seminary in Phoenix, Arizona. He was a pastor for fifteen years and has extensive pastoral counseling experience. He and his wife Celestia, who is a family therapist, are the founders of Mending the Soul Ministries, a nonprofit Christian organization that provides training, curriculum, and education on abuse prevention and hewing. Celestia G. Tracy is president and founder of Mending the Soul Ministries and MTS Partnerships for Professional Development. She received an M.A. in Counseling/Psychology from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. After sixteen years of private counseling she currently enjoys consulting, writing, training, and developing community based resources that equip parents and leaders in an informed and compassionate response to abuse. Celestia has expertise with children, trauma, marriage, intimacy, and sexuality. Kristi Ickes Garrison is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in the public schools for ten years and is the Director of Karis Student Resources, LLC. Kristi specializes in helping students who have experienced abuse, depression and suicide, addiction, and pregnancy and offers dynamic trainings to youth workers and parents on working effectively with teens.