The Surprising Way God Shapes the Helper: Rethinking Countertransference

Stacey Smith, Chief Clinical Officer, Daring Ventures

Cheryl Rogers, Lead Clinician, Daring Ventures

In this engaging talk, we’ll explore countertransference through a redemptive lens—seeing it not as something to avoid, but as a sacred space where God is at work. Together, we’ll consider the reciprocal influence in the helper–helpee relationship and how these interactions become a surprising classroom for our own growth. Beyond professional training or CEUs, God uses the very people we serve to refine and transform us. Through story, reflection, and honest dialogue, we’ll discover how rethinking countertransference can deepen both our spiritual formation and professional development.

Professional Learning Objectives:

Redefine countertransference through a spiritual and relational lens, recognizing how it can serve as a pathway for both personal and professional growth.

Identify the reciprocal dynamics within the helper–helpee relationship and explore how awareness of this mutual influence can enhance therapeutic effectiveness.

Integrate Christian theological principles—such as identity in Christ, lament, boundaries, truth-telling, and redemptive restoration—into clinical, coaching, and pastoral care for men impacted by sexual betrayal.

About: Stacey is the Chief Clinical Officer at Daring Ventures.  She is an EMDR Certified Therapist and a Trainer for The Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists (APSATS). She is also a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) as well as PACT level 2 trained. She is the Program Director for Returning to You, a one of a kind betrayal trauma treatment retreat. Stacey is on the board of New Life Ministries and is the speaker at the Restore Workshop. Her first book, Understanding and Loving Your Child as a Single Parent, co-authored with Steve Arterburn, was published in 2022.

Cheryl Rogers is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Counselor. Practicing since 2006 she specializes in trauma for individuals and couples. She is an EMDR therapist/consultant and trainer who trains counselors throughout Texas. She has a private practice in the Humble/Kingwood area as well as joining Daring Ventures working with betrayed partners in Jan. 2023 working with PTSD.

Hours: M-F 8:30 am-5 pm (Central Time)
Telephone: (920) 389-1871
Email: [email protected]

Thanks to QuestionPro for providing us free survey templates for running multiple types of surveys, helping to strengthen our nonprofit family.

Hours: M-F 8:30 am-5 pm (Central Time)
Telephone: (920) 389-1871
Email: [email protected]

Thanks to QuestionPro for providing us free survey templates for running multiple types of surveys, helping to strengthen our nonprofit family.