Rooted and Rising

Rooted and Rising is an online program from Awake, featuring mental health professionals offering expert guidance on coping with trauma. This speaker series is designed for abuse survivors, those who accompany them, and all who want to be more aware of trauma-informed tools for healing.

Our next event will be Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 7:00pm CST / 8:00pm EST. We’ll share more details about our speaker and topic in the coming months in Awake’s email newsletter.

Grounded Responses to Conflict
(August 2026)

Many trauma survivors, including those who have been sexually abused, find difficulty communicating their emotions and needs in the aftermath of their trauma. Dr. Sheila McMahon draws on her expertise with nonviolent communication as a particular strategy for communicating honestly and clearly, and honoring survivor's own needs along the way.

Boundaries
(April 2026)

Social worker and professor Eileen A. Dombo joined the Awake community to reflect on boundaries for those recovering from abuse. This conversation included thoughts on setting, communicating, and sustaining boundaries in ways that support survivors' well-being while honoring the complexity of their experiences.

Understanding Moral Injury
(January 2026)

This event featured Paul Fahey, LLPC on understanding and healing from moral injury, how it can be intertwined with experiences of trauma, how it is distinct, and the ways moral injury can impact a person’s inner life.

Building Confidence Through Trauma Coping Skills
(October 2025)

Our first Rooted and Rising event featured Mitch Mueller, LPC, who led us through a mindfulness exercise and reflected on questions from survivors, including “How Do I Practice Self-Care When Prayer Is Triggering?”