Leadership, Trauma, and the Struggle with Hope: DC

Over the past several months in our nation, leaders face a relentless tide of trauma, disillusionment, and uncertainty.

Whether in ministry, mental health, nonprofit, government, or justice work, those who guide others often bear the weight of profound suffering – both their own and that of the communities they serve.

In a world that is heavy with cynicism and despair, how do you continue to lead others honestly and courageously? Do you desire to lead others with a hopeful imagination, but often feel isolated, confused, and exhausted?

These are the pressing questions we will explore at the heart of Leadership, Trauma, and the Struggle with Hope, an event series hosted by The Allender Center and The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology and sponsored by the Center for Being Known. Join Dr. J. Derek McNeil, Dr. Dan Allender, and Shauna Gauthier in thoughtful dialogue around the modern challenges of leadership and hear from our special guest, Dr. Curt Thompson.

At the core of this event is a simple yet profound truth: hope is not a solitary pursuit. It is cultivated in relationships, in community, and in honest conversations about the tensions between action and surrender, faith and doubt, grief and healing.

Weaving together the topics of leadership, trauma, and hope our event will provide an integrative framework that helps participants metabolize the struggle of the present in order to grow anticipation for our collective sustainable future.

Join Derek, Dan, Shauna, and Curt for an exclusive and interactive dialogue!

Friday, May 23rd from 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Saturday, May 24th from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Dr. J. Derek McNeil is President & Provost of The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology. He holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University and an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary. His research, writing, and speaking have focused on issues of ethnic and racial socialization, the role of forgiveness in peacemaking, the identity development of African-American males, leadership in living systems, and resilience.

Dr. Dan Allender is the founding president of The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology and co-founder of The Allender Center. He has pioneered a unique and innovative approach to trauma and abuse recovery (Narrative Focused Trauma Care) over the past 30 years. Dan travels and speaks extensively to present his unique perspective on sexual abuse recovery, love and forgiveness, intimacy and marriage, worship, and other related topics. Dan is also the author of several groundbreaking books, and he co-host of The Allender Center Podcast

Shauna Gauthier, MA, is a psychotherapist specializing in trauma-informed therapy. She holds a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from The Seattle School and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in both Washington and Colorado. Since 2021, she has been a member of the Adjunct Faculty at The Seattle School, teaching courses such as Human Growth & Development, Vocational and Occupational Direction, and Family Systems, in addition to facilitating Listening Labs and practicums. Shauna is deeply passionate about fostering meaningful dialogue and supporting the healing process of trauma.

Dr. Curt Thompson is a board certified psychiatrist, author, speaker, and co-host of The Being Known Podcast. He has been in private practice for over 30 years in Falls Church, Virginia, graduated from Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine, and completed his psychiatric residency at Temple University Hospital. He strives to help patients develop flourishing lives by telling their stories more truly, in order to become more deeply known, for the purpose of creating beauty and goodness in the world. With conviction and humor, he trains clinicians and speaks at workshops, retreats and conferences, integrating neuroscience, human relationships and Christian faith. He and his wife Phyllis are the parents of two adult children and live in Northern Virginia.

Interested in sponsoring? Learn more about that here.

Host or Publisher The Allender Center